Re: Player ratings : Thu Feb 13, 2014 11:28 pm  

bewareshadows wrote:

To early for 8's and 9's.

Maybe an 8.5 for Walsh.

But a good way to get the early Wellens bash in. Although I do agree on this occasion.

Pah, what's with all the negativity on here? We skittled Warrington early doors today, the application and attitude was spot on. Sure there was the odd knock on here and there, but on the whole it was a cracking opening salvo.

Re: Player ratings : Thu Feb 13, 2014 11:43 pm  

I know it's only round 1 but I think Walsh could prove to be exactly what we've been missing. He controlled everything and his kicking was superb. He's also a cheeky little bugger who has instantly endeared himself to all of us.

For me the biggest plus of the night was Wheeler. It's probably the biggest if of all time but IF he can stay fit and repeat performances like tonight then he could be awesome for us. Him and Walsh would be a perfect combo if they can stay on the field together.

Re: Player ratings : Thu Feb 13, 2014 11:47 pm  

I pretty much agree with everything Saddo writes. Except I'm not wilfully cruel about Wellens, who I've always had a soft spot for since he posed for a photo with my missus in Pimbletts in the town centre. He did seem a bit of a pointless bench space. Probably better to have had another forward, or a spell hooker for Roby.

So pleased to see Wheeler do well and get through a whole game.

Thought Amor, LMS and Walmsley were far and away the best three forwards on the pitch, and utterly demolished the Warrington pack.

Mostly though, Walsh. Just Walsh. That lad is going to be a proper Saints hero. I'm not sure I believe he's only 26, as he looks older than me, but if he can maintain that form for the next 5 years, he's going to be the centrepiece of a new Saints hegemony.

Re: Player ratings : Thu Feb 13, 2014 11:52 pm  

Let's not get overexcited. We beat a team who were rudderless and had zero bench depth.

That said, Walsh and Wheeler were outstanding. Two massive plus points. If they can stay fit, they could be the best halfback pairing in the league.

As someone who doesn't rate Swift, he impressed me tonight. However, we cannot persist with Swift and Percival on the same side otherwise we will get torn to pieces.

Manu, as usual, was poor.

Also not convinced by Amor and Walmsley starting. They are our best two props by far. I think one should be used from the bench, as if we come up against a side with a strong bench, we need that impact they can give.

Re: Player ratings : Thu Feb 13, 2014 11:59 pm  

The Real Moaner wrote:

Let's not get overexcited. We beat a team who were rudderless and had zero bench depth.

That said, Walsh and Wheeler were outstanding. Two massive plus points. If they can stay fit, they could be the best halfback pairing in the league.

As someone who doesn't rate Swift, he impressed me tonight. However, we cannot persist with Swift and Percival on the same side otherwise we will get torn to pieces.

Manu, as usual, was poor.

Also not convinced by Amor and Walmsley starting. They are our best two props by far. I think one should be used from the bench, as if we come up against a side with a strong bench, we need that impact they can give.

You can only play what's in front of you

I actually think starting with Amor and Walmsley went better than expected, having masoe to bring on will help against bigger benches, with laffranchi adding the "steady Eddie" element.

Swift took his chance well, and generally chased back well and ran it in hard - I still have a question mark Percival vs jones - Percival certainly offered more of a threat in attack, but jones is much stronger in defence.

Agreed Manu had a sloppy game and I was slightly disappointed from him, hopefully he's just a slow starter.

Re: Player ratings : Fri Feb 14, 2014 12:32 am  

The Real Moaner wrote:

Let's not get overexcited. We beat a team who were rudderless and had zero bench depth.

That said, Walsh and Wheeler were outstanding. Two massive plus points. If they can stay fit, they could be the best halfback pairing in the league.

As someone who doesn't rate Swift, he impressed me tonight. However, we cannot persist with Swift and Percival on the same side otherwise we will get torn to pieces.

Manu, as usual, was poor.

Also not convinced by Amor and Walmsley starting. They are our best two props by far. I think one should be used from the bench, as if we come up against a side with a strong bench, we need that impact they can give.

There is nothing wrong with Swift's defence, it is Percival flying in that is the problem.

Re: Player ratings : Fri Feb 14, 2014 12:41 am  

Adam Swift is quality, How anybody cannot rate him is beyond me, unless you personally dislike the lad.

Works his socks off, speed and a quality finisher.

Re: Player ratings : Fri Feb 14, 2014 5:58 am  

Agree with all of saddos comments, but Walsh cannot be rated highly enough, he was the difference between last years hard work and last nights top performance. Keep him fit and he can be the real catalyst to our season. Manus first game last year was a nightmare if dropped balls and poor offloads, he'll be a top performer for us again this year. And great to see such a young back line with genuine pace and attacking threat. Brown has done a great job in turning us round over the last 12 months from also rans to genuine contenders

Re: Player ratings : Fri Feb 14, 2014 6:32 am  

If this 'Marquee' rule comes in, then Saints need to offer Walsh the earth and tie him down for years. He has totally turned the team around in one match.

Re: Player ratings : Fri Feb 14, 2014 6:50 am  

Like I said, good start but much to work on

Lomax 7
Makinson 7
Turner 7
Percival 5
Swift 7
Wheeler 7
Walsh 9
Amor 7
Roby 8
Walmsley 7
Manu 6
Wilkin 6
Lms 7

Laffranchi 7
Jones 7
Sia 7
Wello 5