Itchy Arsenal wrote:
Yes I am.
Do you seriously rate ST defensively at FB?
Fantastic going forward but pretty poor under the high ball to the point that he brings too much uncertainty to the team.
Just an opinion but it will take a lot to shift it
I petty much watched every minute of his 16 games last season and up until cas away in the 8's he was very good defensively, pretty sure he didn't drop a high ball and I could be mistaken but didn't see him let a ball bounce either.
The lads I stand with had a bit of joke thing going on about it has been 1 game, then 2 games, then 3 games without him dropping a high ball and I'm pretty sure I remember it getting to 10 plus (we used to have joke about the, when would kris radlinksi break a tackle when returning the ball stakes, I used to bet June every year).
Cas in the 8s he was poor, he was average week after but by the time we got to warrington away he put in another good display and got us back in the game just before half time and setting up 2/3 tries second half.
I like escare, he's been a very good signing. I don't need to criticise anything he's done (and he has made errors and has flaws) to try and prove Tomkins is a better full back etc and I do think people are worrying about Tomkins wage packet or his injury rather thank taking his performances on face value and I think people should do the same the other way.
We've got 2 really good options at full back and I want them both fit, we've now good another 2 great options on the wing in Davies and Marshall bit I want budgie back there and Manfredi fit asap along with gildart.
I want Tommy back fully fit as I am convinced we will.see so much more from him when fit along with more options like a fit gelling, Bateman etc outside him.
When same is back and near full fitness then wane will have a question or 2 to answer, until then it's a moot point.
When he is and say 90% of the squad are fit then we'll see who the boss thinks is the right one to play there.
Moving forward I think you may be right about Sam in the halves, but I can see that being a steady process over the next 18months.