Re: Injuries : Tue May 03, 2016 10:42 pm
ThePrinter wrote:
Not mobile enough even at the start of games let alone possibly halfway through a game after already making 20/30 tackles. Not worth it just to have a 3rd prop on the bench who realistically you'd struggle to give many minutes to.
Mobility is an interesting wider point. Won't get into the 17 v Hudd point but think we have a serious, hard to fix issue of lack of mobility/pace in current squad and in particular the pack. We know achurch is leaving and have jjb, ferres and falloon out of contract at year end. At start of year I would have thought this would be the last year of JJB but he has stormed back. If he gets another 1 year deal we have lots of slow back row men.
Stevie ward will help but if you compare our pack to Wigan the lack of athleticism is a big problem in my view. In back row they have some real pace Farrell, Tomkins , Bateman and isa. Their props are also far quicker. A lot has been written about some of the limitations of Wigan props but as all round players I think. Flower is a fair bit better than any Leeds prop except cuthbo. I think Crosby is also a shade better. Sutton is a real prospect and although clubb and in particular tautai make errors they are all mobile. As a collective our pack is way down in comparison. Suspect the hope is Walters can improve his overall game as he has clearly been picked from RU for his athletic potential.
Add in slowing halves and I believe it is a key factor In our low scoring attack.
For me it also means opposition teams see limited threats from us. This is over simplified but stop hardaker and Watkins getting clear and you can probably catch all the rest.
Some interesting choices for recruitment and retention lie ahead but not sure any quick fixes.
