Re: Widnes friendly thoughts... : Sat Jan 21, 2012 4:50 pm  

Tiptop Saint wrote:

Browsing through the various forums and comments, it seems there's a bit of work to get the team up to scratch for the season (in two weeks time), and decisions to make with who plays where. I think Saddened makes some valid points. From a personal point of view, I really don't get why we don't just go with our own young St Helens lads who are top quality and the future of rugby league. This is our community sport and having local lads who have come up through the ranks make the game a lot more enjoyable for me, although having said that, I do enjoy Sia's big hits and the intensity brought to the game by overseas players. However, buying in players to 'retire', is just not good enough. Makinson was fantastic and deserves a place everytime, alongside Gaskell who in my opinion, totally changed the game with his appearance. Both Gaskell and Makinson played like they've never been away. Gaskell is a quality player and not just his kicking but try assists, ball handling and I remember watching his conversions in the U20's when he belted over the sticks every time. I love his natural laid back way of play. I thought Wheeler stood out too last night; even though he could have gone for glory and scored he passed the ball out showing and fostering team spirit....something of which I didn't see much of in the first half. I hope Wheeler stays fit and we see a lot more of him. Looking forward to the season now after the friendly - although I must admit my heart was in my mouth last night for the first half.... I think my season ticket was money well spent.

This, good post.

The only thing I would say is we need to accommodate Lomax, Gaskell and Hohaia. Gaskell can direct us aroun the pitch and bring a great kicking game whilst Lomax and Hohaia both bring the X factor and can turn a game in a moment.

Re: Widnes friendly thoughts... : Sat Jan 21, 2012 5:12 pm  

BackrowSaint wrote:

This, good post.

The only thing I would say is we need to accommodate Lomax, Gaskell and Hohaia. Gaskell can direct us aroun the pitch and bring a great kicking game whilst Lomax and Hohaia both bring the X factor and can turn a game in a moment.

In an ideal world we'd have Gaskell and Lomax playing with Hohaia as the back from the bench, or in a Robbie Burrow style role for five minutes at the end of each half.

But with the big reputation and status and ego Hohaia brings over, there isn't a chance he'll ever be dropped.

Re: Widnes friendly thoughts... : Sat Jan 21, 2012 5:15 pm  

Saddened! wrote:

In an ideal world we'd have Gaskell and Lomax playing with Hohaia as the back from the bench, or in a Robbie Burrow style role for five minutes at the end of each half.

But with the big reputation and status and ego Hohaia brings over, there isn't a chance he'll ever be dropped.

I completely agree to using him like Burrow is used for Leeds, could be a real threat. But you're right, he won't be dropped and that's a shame because Gaskell played very well indeed last night.

Re: Widnes friendly thoughts... : Sat Jan 21, 2012 5:18 pm  

BackrowSaint wrote:

I completely agree to using him like Burrow is used for Leeds, could be a real threat. But you're right, he won't be dropped and that's a shame because Gaskell played very well indeed last night.

It will be a expensive signing if he's used in the burrow role of playing 15 mins a game.

Re: Widnes friendly thoughts... : Sat Jan 21, 2012 5:21 pm  

St pete wrote:

It will be a expensive signing if he's used in the burrow role of playing 15 mins a game.

I'd want to use him more than that, without a doubt. I think Gaskell has to play though, the team is a lot more balanced with him in it.

I'd drop Lomax before I dropped Gaskell as it stands, I may get shot down for this but at the back end of the season and in the friendly yesterday, Lomax didn't stand out for me at all and needs to raise his game.

Re: Widnes friendly thoughts... : Sat Jan 21, 2012 5:29 pm  

BackrowSaint wrote:

I'd want to use him more than that, without a doubt. I think Gaskell has to play though, the team is a lot more balanced with him in it.

I'd drop Lomax before I dropped Gaskell as it stands, I may get shot down for this but at the back end of the season and in the friendly yesterday, Lomax didn't stand out for me at all and needs to raise his game.

I've said for long time now, Gaskell would be the first halfback on the team sheet if I was picking the side. He's a natural stand off and natural kicker which lomax and lance ain't.

Re: Widnes friendly thoughts... : Sat Jan 21, 2012 5:53 pm  

Be intresting to see what Royce does in two weeks is he going to start the season without a kicking in the team which I think he will but like Pete if I was picking the team gaskell would been in the halfs before anyone

Re: Widnes friendly thoughts... : Sat Jan 21, 2012 6:21 pm  

I think it might take some time this season for Royce to know what his best team will be.

Many of the players are of similar quality/standard and that makes it more challenging to pick whose the best for that position. I'm not saying they are of a poor standard, not at all but there are several who are difficult to pick between.

There will be some dillemas in the half back positions if everyone including Gary Wheeler stays fit for most of the season.

Although I like Lance Hohaia and he showed some nice touches with the ball, as other posters said the game turned when Lee Gaskell came on. We looked so much more better balanced with Gaskell on the pitch and with a transformed kicking game. Up to that point our kicking game had been absolutely woeful irrespective of the wind direction. It was dire in the second half until Gaskell came on and showed them how to do it.

I'm not convinced that Lomax and Hohiah will be the best combination at half back particularly at the sacrifice of a non existent kicking game. Whilst both players are certainly good the real issue is getting the best balance right.

Re: Widnes friendly thoughts... : Sat Jan 21, 2012 6:28 pm  

St pete wrote:

I've said for long time now, Gaskell would be the first halfback on the team sheet if I was picking the side. He's a natural stand off and natural kicker which lomax and lance ain't.

I agree entirely. We were a different team with Gaskell on.

It has to be Gaskell alongside either Hohaia or J-Lo for me, with the other either on the bench (how exciting would that be as an interchange?)

With LH and JL on at the same time, we had little structure. Both great players, but don't complement each other due to being so similar in style.

Re: Widnes friendly thoughts... : Sat Jan 21, 2012 8:40 pm  

I reckon the situation with these 3 will sort itself out. Can,t see these 3 being injury free or on top form all season, so Royce will play his cards with what will be the best option.
If Gaskell develops his game even more and Lance settles in quickly into the team, it's possible Lomax could be the bench player, nice situation to be in if all three are available.