Utility Players - For / Against : Wed Feb 18, 2009 11:08 pm  

I've always been a believer that in a small squad it's good to have players that can play in a variety of positions.

Currently we have McGoldrick that could play full back, centres, halves, loose forward. We have Rangi Chase that can play halves, hooker, Faumuina can play halves, second row. Dixon a centre last year, now on the wing, Richard Owen a winger for now, could play at full back. There are probably more. Most of these are pivotal positions. I'm now beginning to have second thoughts !

We can look at other teams and they pick themselves, ie, you know who will be playing in which positions. Players can gain a consistency and familiarity with their own position.

I'm undecided whether this is an advantage or disadvantage with our squad this year ?!

: Thu Feb 19, 2009 1:54 am  

I guess it all comes down to what's the best balance for the team.I expect with so many new players who say they can play in a number of positions are probably only really good at one and it will take time before TM knows what that balance is.
So far i think there is only one player in our squad that looks like he can play anywhere and that's Netherton.

: Thu Feb 19, 2009 9:09 am  

In these days of salary capping and the 20/25 rule, having a number of utility players in the squad is vital. However, there is a point where a player's utility value can be to his detriment, as in the case of Ryan McGoldrick. He desperately needs to be left alone in one position this season and given an opportunity to cement a regular spot. His game and the team performances will benefit from this.

: Thu Feb 19, 2009 1:56 pm  

StuMain wrote:

In these days of salary capping and the 20/25 rule, having a number of utility players in the squad is vital. However, there is a point where a player's utility value can be to his detriment, as in the case of Ryan McGoldrick. He desperately needs to be left alone in one position this season and given an opportunity to cement a regular spot. His game and the team performances will benefit from this.

And on the basis of Sunday's game that'd be fullback. He was my pick for Cas MOTM though I accept Hudson was up there with him as one of the better performers.

People have rightly expressed concern on Goldy's ability under the high ball but he looked solid enough on Sunday and as we don't seem to have anyone else at the club who looks ultrasafe under said high ball I don't see this being an issue. If you look at all the best NRL fullbacks they're great broken field runners and not necessarily so hot defensively. It seems to be a UK trait that we place all the emphasis on the defensive aspect which may be a reflection on the defensive inadequacies of the rest of the team in SL!

The only fly in the ointment here could be the fact that also after Sunday, whilst Sherwin continues to be absent, McGoldrick might be the best option to partner Chase in the halves.

: Thu Feb 19, 2009 3:26 pm  

Every squad needs a few players with ability to play in a number of different positions. Just a pity you don't have Scotty Grix!!!

He's just too good for you!

: Fri Feb 20, 2009 10:24 am  

Sandal Wild Cat wrote:

Every squad needs a few players with ability to play in a number of different positions. Just a pity you don't have Scotty Grix!!!

He's just too good for you!

Shame he wasn't when playing for Widnes eh?

: Fri Feb 20, 2009 10:36 am  

Sandal Wild Cat wrote:

Every squad needs a few players with ability to play in a number of different positions. Just a pity you don't have Scotty Grix!!!

He's just too good for you!

Tbh we were all aware of Goldy's flaws, But he is streets ahead of this kid - Goldy is a top class player over here, And i am beginning to think we may see that this year

: Fri Feb 20, 2009 10:43 am  

Sandal Wild Cat wrote:

Every squad needs a few players with ability to play in a number of different positions. Just a pity you don't have Scotty Grix!!!

He's just too good for you!

Grix is not in the same class as Goldy, a good player at National League level, so go away Troller!

: Fri Feb 20, 2009 11:37 am  

Sandal Wild Cat wrote:

Every squad needs a few players with ability to play in a number of different positions. Just a pity you don't have Scotty Grix!!!

He's just too good for you!

Specifically how?

: Fri Feb 20, 2009 12:02 pm  

Sandal Wild Cat wrote:

Every squad needs a few players with ability to play in a number of different positions. Just a pity you don't have Scotty Grix!!!

He's just too poo for you!

Edited for accuracy....and now it rhymes