Kind of stuck in the middle between prop and 2nd row at the moment. Fastest forward in super league according to the stats so can afford to bulk up if he’s going to stay at prop. If he’s going to be 2nd row long term then probably needs to drop a little weight to increase his lateral mobility. Hopefully the new coach makes a decision either way.
Forwards win games. The backs decide by how much.
Wembley and the last 10 years to be honest. The players may have changed but we've not had a winning culture since Daniel Anderson left Saints
Holbrook has started to change things but these players need to step up now and prove that they are the right men for the job, prove that they won't be bullied and intimidated, prove that they can keep their heads and make the right plays under extreme pressure
Wet weather rugby it is then . COYS !
I think the fact that they know they’ve got another chance next week might help them tonight. Still sceptical about us when it’s really on the line though.
Last edited by Tez the Saint; 27th September 2019 at 10:59.
Steve Prescott MBE (1973-2013)
V
Worries me too. Williams could have a field day with his short kicking game tonight
They’ll be kicking to Grace all game.
That's exactly what they'll be doing. Even when he didn't knock on at Wembley it was given as a knock on against him, contributing to our high error count
When you put it up there and there is a mass of hands going up the ref often guesses and gives it against the defending side on the basis that it's their responsibility to tidy things up
I can’t make my mind up about Ashworth. There were times last season where he was playing front row and looked every bit a top class prop. I also think he’s got the sort of frame that could gain another stone without much trouble, so at that point I was thinking that he’d end up as an impact prop.
But this year he’s just looked less imposing and aggressive, so maybe he’s better suited to back row.
I wonder, though, if maybe he’s just an inconsistent player.
Cacking it
My heart says Saints.
See Tommy Leuluai has said Wigan need to be Gritty not pretty tonight. I do expect this to be explosive. The team who keeps it head will win. I really hope the ref (Kendal) is strong enough to deal with this game.
Humans are more concerned with having than being.
Still young and coming through. Next couple of seasons will tell us more. Lets see where he gets played next season and how he progresses. I think he could make a go of either prop or second row - but maybe needs to focus on one or the other for a while to get a good run and develop in the position at this level.
Lees seemed to come along more this season than Ashworth - but each player has their own progression. I remember Thompson looked to have huge potential in his debut season, then plateaued for a while until he really fulfilled that promise in his breakthrough last season.
Even though i want us to win tonight - the really crucial game is obviously at Old Trafford. This team needs to discover how to win the biggest games. I think they've got it in them - just a matter of it clicking together and discovering what it takes individually and collectively to have that big game mentality when it matters. I don't care how we get there - even if it takes a loss then 2 wins... I would happily just take 2 wins on the bounce too : ) COYS!
I’m not writing him off by any means, but he isn’t all that young. You’re right that Thompson’s development wasn’t entirely straightforward, but for the last two seasons he’s been one of the best props in the world, and he is the same age as Ashworth. If he’s going to fulfil his potential he’ll have to do it pretty soon.
I'd almost see Ashowrth as LMS's long term replacement, able to cover prop, back row, LF and even drop into centre if needed during games. That utility value is great as it enables the coach to structure the interchanges differently or change positions throughout the game without using an interchange. As long as we don't end up with a squad full of versatile players but no specialists, it works well, especially in a salary capped sport.
really looking forward to tonight's match but haven't a clue who to cheer for!
I am wondering is there any chance the game could be called of because of the weather , ie Flooded pitch.
Salford did some cracking huge “up & under’s” last night that caused Cas problems. That’s what we should be doing tonight in these conditions, and have a change from the predictable little kicks into the corner.