Re: 2016 Squad Numbers : Thu Nov 12, 2015 2:35 pm  

With one or two exceptions Warrington have always numbered their squad (1-17) according to where they are seen playing for the forthcoming season if fit and well.
After that it's a little bit more flexible. Clearly Harrison won't play for some time

Westwood at 13 suggests we'll use him as a part time prop, with Westerman coming in at 13 when Bennie moves to prop after 20mins.
Hill and Simms replaced by Dodds and Westerman at the first interchange.

Clearly Dwyer will be in the 17, probably interchanging with Clark

TS seems to have a lot of faith in Laithwaite, and his ability to get to the right level after rehab but I think he'll be undercooked at the start of the season.

I can understand why Rhys is getting some stick here, and at the end of last year he clearly was trying to adjust to the speed of the game after a long lay off. A big year for him. He's no longer 'the new kid on the block', so time to step up in the position that he always wanted. (More injuries and he'll become a 'Wheeler').

Many of the squad numbered 20+ have gained experience from last year and that should help, but clearly even though we've spent big the squad strength doesn't appear to be what we had a few years ago.

A lot depends on TS's ability to develop the guys - particularly Westerman and Lineham (good attack, prone defensively). He's done it with some but not others (Atkins has not developed enough for me).

An experienced prop remains my big concern.
Many are at the start of their careers - King, Evans etc. If Ben plays like he did before his injuries I can see him having a regular 17 slot.

Re: 2016 Squad Numbers : Thu Nov 12, 2015 10:45 pm  

Some months ago Mike Nicholas told me he believes that Morgan Smith will be a great prospect.

Re: 2016 Squad Numbers : Thu Nov 12, 2015 11:40 pm  

fez1 wrote:

With one or two exceptions Warrington have always numbered their squad (1-17) according to where they are seen playing for the forthcoming season if fit and well.
After that it's a little bit more flexible. Clearly Harrison won't play for some time

Westwood at 13 suggests we'll use him as a part time prop, with Westerman coming in at 13 when Bennie moves to prop after 20mins.
Hill and Simms replaced by Dodds and Westerman at the first interchange.

Clearly Dwyer will be in the 17, probably interchanging with Clark

TS seems to have a lot of faith in Laithwaite, and his ability to get to the right level after rehab but I think he'll be undercooked at the start of the season.

I can understand why Rhys is getting some stick here, and at the end of last year he clearly was trying to adjust to the speed of the game after a long lay off. A big year for him. He's no longer 'the new kid on the block', so time to step up in the position that he always wanted. (More injuries and he'll become a 'Wheeler').

Many of the squad numbered 20+ have gained experience from last year and that should help, but clearly even though we've spent big the squad strength doesn't appear to be what we had a few years ago.

A lot depends on TS's ability to develop the guys - particularly Westerman and Lineham (good attack, prone defensively). He's done it with some but not others (Atkins has not developed enough for me).

An experienced prop remains my big concern.
Many are at the start of their careers - King, Evans etc. If Ben plays like he did before his injuries I can see him having a regular 17 slot.

I'd be very surprised if Westerman didn't start at 13. I think Westwood has been given the 13 shirt as a mark of his seniority in the squad.

Westerman on the bench would be a waste in my view.

Re: 2016 Squad Numbers : Fri Nov 13, 2015 10:50 am  

Alffi_7 wrote:

I'd be very surprised if Westerman didn't start at 13. I think Westwood has been given the 13 shirt as a mark of his seniority in the squad.

Westerman on the bench would be a waste in my view.

I was thinking just that, after last season I feel we would get more out of Westwood from the bench.

Re: 2016 Squad Numbers : Fri Nov 13, 2015 1:28 pm  

Yes I can see where you're coming from, and I wouldn't be surprised to see that happen.
Certainly bennie from the bench would have impact.

Re: 2016 Squad Numbers : Fri Nov 13, 2015 2:14 pm  

Matty Russell at 5 is the biggest joke ive seen in a while

Re: 2016 Squad Numbers : Fri Nov 13, 2015 3:49 pm  

Burnzy Wire Wire wrote:

Matty Russell at 5 is the biggest joke ive seen in a while

How so?

He has pace, and is an excellent kick returner. He will also get quick play the balls from scoots early in the tackle count.

Re: 2016 Squad Numbers : Fri Nov 13, 2015 4:56 pm  

I guess his weakness could be under the high ball when under pressure as he's not so tall, but I think it would be a close run thing between him, Penny and Ormsby for that position.

Re: 2016 Squad Numbers : Fri Nov 13, 2015 5:25 pm  

Alffi_7 wrote:

How so?

He has pace, and is an excellent kick returner. He will also get quick play the balls from scoots early in the tackle count.

You don't go from making the most metres in SL to deciding because you've took a few big hits that FB isn't his best postion. If you went to Catalan away last season you will know exactly what i mean, bad under the high ball, gets out jumped, his positional sense is appalling as well.

Re: 2016 Squad Numbers : Tue Nov 17, 2015 12:15 pm  

Ratchford was '6' last season and played more times in centre than he did at stand-off. Should we pay attention to these numbers or are they just random?