Pity that our connection with PNG seems to have petered out.
Props now play a completely different role, and I concur with previous posters saying that our prospective pack will be very mobile, running tHe bigger players off the pitch
I agree with that for home games, but will that still be the case for the tough away games on narrow pitches?
Not sure.
I agree with that for home games, but will that still be the case for the tough away games on narrow pitches? Not sure.
That is the question, looking at Fevs big forwards on the opposition line, bulk at that range needs bulk tp stop it. Interesting puzzle though!
I am hoping that the period towards the end of the season showed we have improved defensively because we conceded barge over tries regularly before that.
As an aside, we need to use Lawton more close to the opposition line.
Props now play a completely different role, and I concur with previous posters saying that our prospective pack will be very mobile, running tHe bigger players off the pitch
Never worked last year did it, if we don't sign a few more props we will get mashed as usual down the middle. If Finnegan goes with Grady and Baker as props then he needs showing the door now.
I don't care if the prop forward game has changed over the years, Grady should be nowhere near that position.Running the opposition forwards off the pitch next year ? Can't wait to see that.
I’m with you on that. He’s a good all round second rower. Baker on the other hand I think is capable of doing a good job there although I would rather we had enough props and he could be used at loose forward.
I agree Sinbad we do need another rugged prop at least and not try to manufacture 1 as it were.
but where this side of the Pennines will we find him?!
it’s a fair trek to play part time even from Hudds and Halifax
Just a shame Fui Fui isn’t 5 yrs younger!!
If Fui Fui was 5 years younger he would still be about 42.
If Grady is starting Prop, we are in trouble.
Can't really remember Bent, is he big enough to be used at Prop?
If Grady is starting Prop, we are in trouble.
This year was different, it was just a case of muddling through the season, winning enough games to stay up and getting enough bodies on the pitch to fulfil the fixture.Next year, if we are to be serious challengers, Grady shouldn't play a single minute at prop.
We have had players converted from backs to forwards in the past with some success; Willie Isa and Richard Varkulis come to mind.
But don't forget in the dim and distant Grady started life as a centre in that team with the likes of Scott Yates and Paddy Flynn, so he has already made one positional move.
Ideally we source 2 props from somewhere and it is a non-issue.
Pascal thinks it might be worth watching Toulouse v Featherstone final and see the quality of props they have in their team. We should be aiming to bring in at least 2 rugged props, and I am gutted we could not convince Clough for 1 more year. Not sure who is available, but 2 old head props who stay fit would be ideal. Got a feeling Tilleke will be added to the squad and I don't think many who are left on the list will get a new contract. We have 19 or 20 signed up, so for me 2 or 3 props and another winger and then possibly a half back. Looking at who is not re-signed I would have Tilleke and Else.
Pity that our connection with PNG seems to have petered out.
It never really started!
Pity that our connection with PNG seems to have petered out.
It never really started!
Did either of the Albert brothers really offer anything better than we have?
It is good to see that MG has managed to call for the sacking of Finnegan for a decision he has not yet made and before the season has started. At least he is consistent.
We have Farnworth, Nzoungou and Dupree signed up and possibly Tilleke. As others have said, we probably need another two experienced props if there are any around and available to play part-time. Featherstone have Luke Cooper and Frankie Halton, Jimmy Becket and Junior Moors. I would guess that the first three are no bigger than our props. Junior Moors is shown as 6'3" and 18st 6lbs.
One of the most aggressive players in SL in recent years is John Bateman and he is around 15 st. Just shows that you don't have to be a man-mountain to be aggressive, but you would not play him at prop as he is world class as a back-rower. Grady is 6'4" and 16 st, has experience in the game and has an aggressive running style. Out of interest can someone explain why it is impossible for Grady to play at prop, if only as cover?
It is good to see the imbalance in the squad between backs and forwards is being addressed, with the signing of Nzoungoum Dupree, Wilde, Bent and Fozard and re-signing Farnworth, Baker, Grady, Smith, Lawton and awaiting announcements on the future of Tomkins, Tilleke, Else and Hulme.
Many have mentioned Gavin Bennion who has been around a bit and has the size and still only 28. I would have thought that we should be able to compete with Rochdale for his signature if we wanted him, although he is on a two year contract at Rochdale. Other teams seem to be able to pick up decent Australians from their country clubs. Maybe that's a market we can look at.