The overall performance against Wigan was a big improvement and we were on the wrong end of some dubious decisions that gifted them 12 points and the all important momentum. The scoreline flattered Wigan and we had a better metre per carry than they did.
We were also not helped by poor performances from our half backs (again) and a really terrible performance from Walker where nothing went right for him and he is unlikely to have such a poor match again. Having said that his flaws were exposed. He is not yet being physically robust enough for a full season of SL at fullback and he looks to me to be trying too hard to go for glory every time he has the ball. He now rarely passes (perhaps why his passing is poor) and is now more easily dealt with by the opposition who know he is not going to pass (a decease that Briscoe suffer from too)
Our back three all were not up to scratch and in a game where we let in 6 tries between them they only made 8 tackles with 6 missed tackles, 6 errors and only one clean break (Handley)
So what are our options?
I certainly would be looking to give McLelland a run soon. From what I have seen and heard he has the talent, toughness and attitude to make it and this should trump any lack of experience. All youngsters until their first game lack experience at this level eg Walker and our golden generation.
We could give young Walker a rest and move Lolohea to F/B giving McLelland a run at 6 or we could bring him in to replace Myler, who had been the least effect of the halfbacks.
However I favour putting McLelland on the bench in place of Parcell so he can cover both halves and hooker (he has played at hooker) and we give him a run in both positions from the bench.
As regards Merrin, I like the look of him and on another day his offloads would have led to victories. I think he is not fully fit which is perhaps why they are spelling him at prop. If he can regain full fitness he can move to the back row and play more minutes.