Re: 17 man squad for warrington : Sun Jan 12, 2020 10:34 am  

hatty wrote:

Depending on how he’s gone in training I’d give Manfredi a run at sub, just give him 15 mins or so. Then play him for half a game against Leigh to slowly ease him back into it.

He's doubtful for the Warrington game according to an interview I saw with Lam, so we won't see him in any of the friendlies

Re: 17 man squad for warrington : Sun Jan 12, 2020 11:58 am  

Hardaker
Marshall
Hank
Bibby
J.Burgess
French
Hastings
Flower
Powell
G.Burgess
Greenwood
Faz
Smithies

Lockers
Clark
Tommy
Partington

Re: 17 man squad for warrington : Sun Jan 12, 2020 1:06 pm  

Hardaker
Marshall
Hankinson
Bibby
Burgess
French
Hastings
Burgess
Powell
Flower
Farrell
Greenwood
O'Loughlin

Leuluai
Bullock
Clark
Smithies/Isa

Re: 17 man squad for warrington : Sun Jan 12, 2020 1:41 pm  

hengirl wrote:

Trouble is for me at least Hardaker is a flat average centre but an excellent fullback, the best for my money at least in SL so other than for injuries move him?

I know where you're coming from but I don't think he's been afforded the opportunities at centre that he has at fullback, at least at this level. He played centre in all his games at Fev I believe and was signed by Leeds on the strength of them. Many fullbacks started in different positions and often return to them with great success. He was also given the nod at international level over Percival so he must have the tools.

I think it's more a case of what's best for the team though. I don't think keeping an individual in his preferred position (if indeed it still is his preferred position) at the expense of team balance is the right way forward. The absence of Gilly swings that in favour of Zak to centres for mine. When everyone is fit I still would like to see what the French/Hastings combination looks like. If it clicks it could be devastating.

Re: 17 man squad for warrington : Sun Jan 12, 2020 3:21 pm  

Phuzzy wrote:

I know where you're coming from but I don't think he's been afforded the opportunities at centre that he has at fullback, at least at this level. He played centre in all his games at Fev I believe and was signed by Leeds on the strength of them. Many fullbacks started in different positions and often return to them with great success. He was also given the nod at international level over Percival so he must have the tools.

I think it's more a case of what's best for the team though. I don't think keeping an individual in his preferred position (if indeed it still is his preferred position) at the expense of team balance is the right way forward. The absence of Gilly swings that in favour of Zak to centres for mine. When everyone is fit I still would like to see what the French/Hastings combination looks like. If it clicks it could be devastating.

For me Hank comes in for Gilly rather than Zak and Bibby in the other centre. Otherwise what was the point in signing Bibby? French and Hastings HB, Tommy bench 9.

Re: 17 man squad for warrington : Sun Jan 12, 2020 6:26 pm  

100% Warrior wrote:

For me Hank comes in for Gilly rather than Zak and Bibby in the other centre. Otherwise what was the point in signing Bibby? French and Hastings HB, Tommy bench 9.

I always saw Bibby's signing more as a 'competition for places' one rather than him being signed to be a first team starter. Not dissimilar to Hank in fact. I'm not sure I, or many others, would have been happy going into the season with a first choice centre pairing of Hank and Bibby so I don't really see the argument for going into the first game with that partnership if we potentially have a better one available. Obviously, only the coaching staff will know at this stage who is looking good but the choice seems to be an international centre or one of 2 'squad' players (no insult meant to either of the two). Seems to be a no brainer to me.

Re: 17 man squad for warrington : Sun Jan 12, 2020 6:42 pm  

Bibby was one of the form centres in the comp in the last couple of months of the season. I’d certainly be looking to play him against Wire to try and continue that momentum. It helps him that he’s a natural left centre also, compared to Hardaker or Hankinson, who’d both want to play on the right.

Re: 17 man squad for warrington : Sun Jan 12, 2020 6:57 pm  

Phuzzy wrote:

I always saw Bibby's signing more as a 'competition for places' one rather than him being signed to be a first team starter. Not dissimilar to Hank in fact. I'm not sure I, or many others, would have been happy going into the season with a first choice centre pairing of Hank and Bibby so I don't really see the argument for going into the first game with that partnership if we potentially have a better one available. Obviously, only the coaching staff will know at this stage who is looking good but the choice seems to be an international centre or one of 2 'squad' players (no insult meant to either of the two). Seems to be a no brainer to me.

I see your point but I put back that Hank was given the 3 shirt for 2020, indicates to me that AL sees him as a starter rather than a squad player. Throw in NK’s point that Bibby was one of the in form centres at the back end of last season and for me their not squad players. Personally I think it’ll be him and Bibby battling it out for that left centre spot and if that’s the case AL is as well starting them in the centres for the opener.

All will become clear in the coming friendlies and we can start debating the team set up and tactics!

Re: 17 man squad for warrington : Sun Jan 12, 2020 10:43 pm  

Phuzzy wrote:

I know where you're coming from but I don't think he's been afforded the opportunities at centre that he has at fullback, at least at this level. He played centre in all his games at Fev I believe and was signed by Leeds on the strength of them. Many fullbacks started in different positions and often return to them with great success. He was also given the nod at international level over Percival so he must have the tools.

I think it's more a case of what's best for the team though. I don't think keeping an individual in his preferred position (if indeed it still is his preferred position) at the expense of team balance is the right way forward. The absence of Gilly swings that in favour of Zak to centres for mine. When everyone is fit I still would like to see what the French/Hastings combination looks like. If it clicks it could be devastating.

I think at some point Hankinson has to be given a bit of a run in the centres,hes been at the club long enough now its time to find out if he's got what it takes and as for Bibby he was in fine fettle as last season wound down I think he will be in contention even allowing for injuries if his form carries on then he does look a fine player.

Re: 17 man squad for warrington : Sun Jan 12, 2020 10:54 pm  

Joe Burgess should be made to sit out until theres an injury. He was terrible for the most part of last season. He thinks he is better than he is and needs a reality check.

Pick Hankinson and Bibby before him.