Re: GB & I Lions tour discussion. : Tue Oct 22, 2019 6:56 pm  

Grace isn’t big enough or good enough to be GB winger. He is, however, a great example as to how you should distribute your salary cap as he is good enough to be the winger in a Championship winning St Helens side.

If he’d been playing in another Super League club, such as The Wire, he wouldn’t have had anything like as many chances to demonstrate his undoubted pace and his defensive frailties would have been far more evident. If he continues to improve, or we find ourselves short of wingers due to injury, then he may get a call up in the future but right now I would place him some way down the pecking order.

Re: GB & I Lions tour discussion. : Tue Oct 22, 2019 8:04 pm  

Grace is fine defensively. His one on one tackling is fantastic, saved many a try this season. His handling of high balls is his only real flaw now, something that hasn't come up recently but is an issue. He's better than Ryan Hall in every aspect of the game currently, and McGilvray too whilst we're at it. There is no way Bennett watches any Super League games, he's too stubborn and arrogant. The likes of Philbin will be coming on recommendation from the assistants.

Re: GB & I Lions tour discussion. : Tue Oct 22, 2019 8:43 pm  

Or maybe he just watched the challenge cup final which would explain his inclusion of Philbin and exclusion of Grace. I also believe Grace is overrated and would be hugely exposed at international level but, considering the injuries, I'm surprised he didn't get a chance.

Re: GB & I Lions tour discussion. : Sat Oct 26, 2019 9:24 am  

Out of the Tonga line up I think none of these will feature in the first test anyhow.

Coote, Hardaker, Gildart, Hastings, Hill, Whitehead, Lomax, Jones.

I expect a much different result next week.

Re: GB & I Lions tour discussion. : Sat Oct 26, 2019 11:08 am  

Very underwhelming performance, we didn’t match Tonga’s physically at all. Wayno has certain tactics very wrong, it’s obvious to see that game was crying out for Daryl Clark. Gildart & Thompson now injured it doesn’t bode well for the rest of the tour, especially with only two out of form/poor wingers and only one recognised centre whom is now injured.

Re: GB & I Lions tour discussion. : Sat Oct 26, 2019 1:33 pm  

Hall was completely finished a season or two before he left for the NRL. (Injury aside). He then when on to play just 6 games in the NRL this season yet is still selected for GB. Shocking and bemusing to say the least.

Re: GB & I Lions tour discussion. : Sat Oct 26, 2019 2:54 pm  

Masters of our own downfall, with a first half so drab, I was tempted to put Breakfast on, but the fragrant Ms Munchetty wasn't on.

For those who missed it, I'll give you a brief synopsis.
Tackled player plays the ball
Acting half picks up, and passes to first receiver
First receiver runs and gets tackled
Rinse and repeat, until the fifth tackle, whereon a nominated kicker hoofs one into the sky, and opposition playercatches.
Now, where have I seen THAT before

Second half was a little better, but not much.

Whatever happened to expansive RL?

Re: GB & I Lions tour discussion. : Sat Oct 26, 2019 8:10 pm  

Saddened! wrote:

Grace is fine defensively. His one on one tackling is fantastic, saved many a try this season. His handling of high balls is his only real flaw now, something that hasn't come up recently but is an issue. He's better than Ryan Hall in every aspect of the game currently, and McGilvray too whilst we're at it. There is no way Bennett watches any Super League games, he's too stubborn and arrogant. The likes of Philbin will be coming on recommendation from the assistants.

No he isn't..good with ball in hand in fact devastating at times but..can't catch a high ball and certainly can't tackle...what I find amusing is we we have COOTE Austin and hastings who should be no where near this squad they are Aussie's.. Don't give me this crap about grannies and grandads in plymouth ...or uncles in kent they couldn't give a toss about great Britain... Look at bmm as to how proud he was to play for Tonga...takes the urine...rant over I'm off to count my pennies on a winning bet

Re: GB & I Lions tour discussion. : Sat Oct 26, 2019 8:13 pm  

Tonga deserved the win & where did Masilla get his extra minutes from ?

Re: GB & I Lions tour discussion. : Sat Oct 26, 2019 8:14 pm  

Only able to watch the first half, so judging on 40 minutes only I thought Walmsley stood out in our pack which was second best. Could the BMM who played for Tonga, please swap with the one that plays club rugby for us.