Re: Props/forwards formation 2023 : Fri Aug 12, 2022 5:25 pm  

All comments above go to show that we're pretty well stocked for forwards next year, especially props, and there'll be some serious competition for places. I still think we lack a hole punching back rower but maybe new bigger props will put us on the front foot which will generate gaps for Currie etc. to fly through.

If I could wave a magic wand the main thing I'd want to add to our squad for 2023 would be an experienced half back to complement (and free up ) Williams. Someone who had a great in field kicking game and led the pack around the pitch. Doesn't need to be particularly pacy as we have plenty of pace elsewhere but a real midfield general. Not sure whether we have cap space or whether anyone suitable is available.

Re: Props/forwards formation 2023 : Fri Aug 12, 2022 5:32 pm  

morrisseyisawire wrote:

He had a very good game last night, and he was very industrious the week before - 63 tackles I think, problem was he missed two key ones in the build up to a Wigan try.

I'd rather have 35 tackles and zero missed, but fair play he was good V Toulouse. As was another perennial mystery, Jason Clark - in fact he was superb.

Hang on there I have watched that try. He missed tackles on Field and then French who were both jinking about in broken field. Methinks you are being much too critical.
Also if you make lots of tackles you are bound to miss more than someone who only makes a few.

Re: Props/forwards formation 2023 : Fri Aug 12, 2022 6:00 pm  

Kevin Turvey wrote:

All comments above go to show that we're pretty well stocked for forwards next year, especially props, and there'll be some serious competition for places. I still think we lack a hole punching back rower but maybe new bigger props will put us on the front foot which will generate gaps for Currie etc. to fly through.

If I could wave a magic wand the main thing I'd want to add to our squad for 2023 would be an experienced half back to complement (and free up ) Williams. Someone who had a great in field kicking game and led the pack around the pitch. Doesn't need to be particularly pacy as we have plenty of pace elsewhere but a real midfield general. Not sure whether we have cap space or whether anyone suitable is available.

The Magic Wand has already come up with a man called "Dufty" who looks a superb addition. If we'd have had him all season!

Re: Props/forwards formation 2023 : Fri Aug 12, 2022 6:05 pm  

We are likely to be always 1-2 out with an injury or suspension and we will still have depth and competition.

A good blend of grunt and genuine off the bench impact.

Re: Props/forwards formation 2023 : Fri Aug 12, 2022 7:58 pm  

I think it will be:

Vaughan Clark Dudson
Currie nicholson
Maguire

Mikaele
Kasiano
Holmes

Bullock will be first reserve and will probably get more games than one or 2 of the other 4 props covering injuries and suspensions. Philbin shouldn't be anywhere near the team until chance allows him an opportunity and then he will have to perform really well to keep the shirt, he's been well off this season.

Re: Props/forwards formation 2023 : Fri Aug 12, 2022 8:17 pm  

Smiffy27 wrote:

The Magic Wand has already come up with a man called "Dufty" who looks a superb addition. If we'd have had him all season!

He looks a great signing.

Re: Props/forwards formation 2023 : Fri Aug 12, 2022 8:18 pm  

CW8 wrote:

I think it will be:

Vaughan Clark Dudson
Currie nicholson
Maguire

Mikaele
Kasiano
Holmes

Bullock will be first reserve and will probably get more games than one or 2 of the other 4 props covering injuries and suspensions. Philbin shouldn't be anywhere near the team until chance allows him an opportunity and then he will have to perform really well to keep the shirt, he's been well off this season.

I'm really hoping that Powell will consider Bullock as one of our 4 props. Aside from his improvement and genuine threat, he has age on his side at 29 compared to our other front rows. He hasn't really featured that much at Wigan either so I'm hoping he'll have a little more gas in the tank.

Re: Props/forwards formation 2023 : Fri Aug 12, 2022 8:35 pm  

Gazwire wrote:

I'm really hoping that Powell will consider Bullock as one of our 4 props. Aside from his improvement and genuine threat, he has age on his side at 29 compared to our other front rows. He hasn't really featured that much at Wigan either so I'm hoping he'll have a little more gas in the tank.

Bullock will get plenty of opportunity either way, I think he seems to thrive on having to perform for his shirt if his form since being dropped is anything to go by, I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up as a starter given recent performance levels.

Re: Props/forwards formation 2023 : Fri Aug 12, 2022 8:53 pm  

CW8 wrote:

Bullock will get plenty of opportunity either way, I think he seems to thrive on having to perform for his shirt if his form since being dropped is anything to go by, I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up as a starter given recent performance levels.

I think Bullock started as a winger. Just been watching Ryan Hall taking the ball up ... blimey!

Re: Props/forwards formation 2023 : Fri Aug 12, 2022 9:18 pm  

Re: Holmes. If he’s not better than Nicholson now (and he’s not, according to Powell who for all but one week has preferred Nicholson to him) will he ever be?

Credit where it’s due, decent last night. But, if you’ve lost your spot to a kid who had only played one Super League game before joining us mid-season (feel free to correct me, could be more games) then I think your card is marked. Nicholson, with a pre-season and 10 games under his belt, will get better. Longstaff could even close the gap after 6/7 starts at Hull. I think there is work to do for Holmes to justify his spot.