To be fair to Bentley, If you watch stuff from his Bradford days, he runs superb lines and scored a bag full of tries, albeit, at a lower level.
For us, he seems to do a lot of donkey work coming out of our own half and doesn’t touch the ball much in the business of the pitch. I reckon that’s down to tactics and the way Woolf wants us to play.
As with our centres, the second rowers need quality ball in the opposition third of the field to allow them to run those lines.
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Back to back Champions. Still in the hat for the CC. Some good RL played under Royce but I don't remember us being happy then? Oh and the trophy cabinet was bare. I bet Rogues wishes he could come on here as a supporter of the Champions! He would be on every day.
My mistake, but not sure that Bentley has the passing ability also doesn't seem to break many tackles. I would have Mata'utia as LF until Knowles returns. Though that is not an option for this week after the head nock and the 6 day turn around.
Speaking Pashtu yet?
Isn't the head coach off contract too? You'd think the coach would want some say in any recruitment plans but with his future still to be decided that further complicates the matter. Does the club want him to stay and does Woolf want to stay? Saints were dominant in 2019 but were a Zak Hardaker penalty conversion away from a trophyless and disappointing 2020.
On recruitment specifically, I agree the club needs to be ruthless. I think there are other halfbacks who would offer more than Fages. How long can Roby keep going? A spine of Welsby, Lomax, Dodd and Smith would indeed be weaker on paper and I don't think that will happen. I think the club knows that the majority of the salary cap should be spent on the pivots and you can't imagine that would be the case with that line up.
Regards,
STEVO
One year option on the coach in Saints favour.
After the first three games I'd say Theo's kicking has improved. It is a little more varied and adventurous. I'd like to see him develop it more though. Last season defences knew exactly where he going to kick it the second he got the ball. Hopefully, if he continues to mix it up a bit this season it will keep defences guessing a bit more.
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co...elens-20436235
Sounds like Theo wants to stay and talks have begun. Guess it’s just a matter of whether he’s satisfied with what Saints offer.
I suspect that means Bentley and/or Grace agreed to a smaller deal than Saints were expecting, if we were considering not offering a deal with cap concerns, but now we’re in a position to make an offer.
Still no words seemingly on Naiqama or Coote, are we looking at replacements? I heard we were in for Tony King, but not sure how much that was Warrington fans winding me up!
Going to be a really competitive year for recruitment, Wigan have both their marquees gone, Warrington have 14 out of contract I believe and Leeds have quite a few as well