Time to take stock : Mon Apr 09, 2018 5:10 am
Having read the stats for yesterday’s it makes for some interesting readingThe bulk of our metres were made by Ikahihifo, Ta’ai, English, Wakeman and Clough all front rowers albeit with Clough spelling O’Brien as hooker reducing his normal total.
Smith matched Hinchcliffe’s usual effort more metres less tackles but a good effort non the less.
Ok they had injuries but the return from the second row was abysmal both metres and tackles so the props had to and did put their hands up big style. Roberts also doesn’t carry the ball enough for me for a man on such a long contract,that needs to change to fulfil his potential.
In truth we didn’t lose the match in the pack over 80 mins I felt our pack came out on top. Whilst I dont rate Walne or Dickinson we are well set in the prop area for me.
With Symonds now gone we are light in the second row and need to replace him at some point with a high quality player.
Hooker we have two good young options, my choice would be to sign a new half back for next year and utilise Brough at hooker/stand off and rotate to keep maximum fitness and freshness.
2-4 is a shoe in when fit, Jerry, Leroy and Turner who is a natural left centre not right.
Full back Mamo or Rankin left wing a shoot out between Senior as after yesterday it’s his to lose, Murphy, McKintosh, Senior and Simpson.
For now Brough and Gaskell in the halves but I guess what I’m saying is we need a second row, quality half back in the Ridyard mould who can manage a game and Hinchcliffe for a further year or a quality replacement.
With most of our start players on the field we would compete with any team I have seen this season on the proviso they continue to show improved attitude and effort, we continue to be more expansive in our style and turn up on a regular basis with the right mindset.
The benefit of the injury crisis has meant we have had a glimpse into the future with the two Seniors and English and with other academy players hopefully pushing on offering us hope for a bright future providing we can turn this season around.
1pt away from 8th, 3pts from 7th with Wakey to play twice it’s not impossible we just need some much needed luck, continued application and get some players back.