I can understand resting Taia throughout the season. But I think this week I would go with Bentley at centre and give Ashworth a go in the SR. I may be wrong but I don't see Bentley as a long term first choice SR. We have Knowles, he is not the biggest but the way he plays he is undroppable, we can't afford two smallish back rows.
At least if Bentley plays second row instead of Taia he’s only going up against someone called Sonny Bill Williams who’s only played a couple of Super League games!
I think our main issues for this game are in the backs. I realise this is pure fantasy but what about:
Lomax
Makinson Naiqama Welsby Grace
Fage Dodds?
Interesting combination - but a bit of a risk given lack of experience. I can't see KW going for it - but I'd like to see how they would go, I think they could be okay given some time.
I think what it does show is a lack of depth especially in the backs. Given our injuries - it shows we're a bit light in that department. I'm not saying it was the wrong decision to let Swift and Richardson go - but we would have had more cover if we had them in the side.
When Coote comes back in we should look a lot more balanced. He was crucial for us last year. Not just his quality - but his experience.
I don't think we'll be as consistent this year as last (would have been difficult anyway) but we are still in a strong position for picking up silverware. I think the true challenge is over the next couple of seasons - how we transition with crucial players leaving/retiring. Recruitment of quality and getting some strength in depth being key.
Richardson had to go, Saints was too big for him. Adam I wish he would have hung around he is better than Costello. The one thing I would say is Welsby and hopefully others will get game exposure alongside Coote Lomax etc.,
Its a difficult one for Woolf, if we look at the skillset we are probably looking at Dodds-Simms-Costello in that order, if we look at physical toughness we are probably looking at Costello-Simms-Dodds in that order. Woolf top priority will be defence and this is why Costello is getting in the squad. We also have to put Welsby in the mix because he has the physicality and skills to cover full back, centre and stand off.
If we lose Lomax and Fages together through injury I should imagine we could see a partnership of Dodd and Welsby. Simms might get the occasional game at right centre if we start to rest players but the reserve games are the opportunities to develop and challenge the first team squad.
I understand Saints have sold very few tickets for this game..
Humans are more concerned with having than being.
Not surprised to be honest. I was going to go to London and would have gone to Widnes or Leigh. Last week against Roosters was an expensive but good day and as such this one is a SKY game at home for me. I don't class Warrington a great day out if I am honest and have no wish to put money in their coffers.
They should have just held it at saints, a bigger crowd would be a certainty. Can’t really see the logic in holding it a few miles down the road.
It's very hard to balance a squad given the cap as we all know. I can't blame either Swift or Richardson for moving on, both are too good just to sit in the reserves and play the odd first team game but neither are good enough to play for us regularly. For the same reasons it's difficult to have and great strength in depth as most players know there worth and won't hang around as they can go elsewhere and play first team rugby. Obviously there's exceptions to this such as Amor who's probably still picking up a good wage, knows he's not going to play much but is a handy player to have around and a good role model for younger lads.
Well at least Sky sorted the sound out
Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
Bentley was going well before he went off hurt. Hopefully isn't too serious.
Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
Zeb Taia has looked good as well IMO, started the season really well.
Hope Bentley is okay.
Steve Prescott MBE (1973-2013)
V
We might get our hands on the nil cup here....
And Smiths try was very Roby-esque dontcha think??
Can't stop the spirits when they need you.
This life is more than just a read through.
I can’t see Toronto winning a game this year. Their defence is woeful and their attack is non existent.