: Tue Feb 24, 2009 11:28 am  

Raynor isnt actually too bad under the bomb, his problem is he's not very tall so he tends to get out jumped. He has far more carries and tackle busts than Gardner, probably the highest in the league. As for tries, the major difference is the centres they play out side. Gardner has had the luxury of playing outside world class centres for the majority of his Sts career, a lot of his tries are walk ins. Its no coincidence that Raynors best try scoring seasons have been when Yeaman has been on form, unfortunately Yeaman hasn't played consistently well for 2 years.

: Tue Feb 24, 2009 11:30 am  

CRAIG 73 wrote:

Raynor isnt actually too bad under the bomb, his problem is he's not very tall so he tends to get out jumped. He has far more carries and tackle busts than Gardner, probably the highest in the league. As for tries, the major difference is the centres they play out side. Gardner has had the luxury of playing outside world class centres for the majority of his Sts career, a lot of his tries are walk ins. Its no coincidence that Raynors best try scoring seasons have been when Yeaman has been on form, unfortunately Yeaman hasn't played consistently well for 2 years.

That has certainly helped Gardner, but he is also a top class finisher in his own right. He scores tries from close range in situations where most wingers would end up getting knocked into the stand.

: Tue Feb 24, 2009 11:32 am  

Dux wrote:

Gardner compares much more favourably with Raynor in 2008 though.

Raynor is good out of dummy half, but Gardner is better in the other important aspects of wing play, I'd say.

I agree about 2008 but Hull as a team were poor, partly due to injuries. Raynor didnt have a settled centre partner all year. Saying that he still had far more tackle busts and offloads than Gardner. I would read into the stats that Raynor tends to create more chances for himself and his team, Gardner is more of a finisher, just depends which type of player you like.

: Tue Feb 24, 2009 6:04 pm  

~ No1 Saints Fan ~ wrote:

Gidley makes the trys but Gardner still has to finish them.

By catching the ball and falling over the line.

: Tue Feb 24, 2009 6:12 pm  

Gardner is highly underrated. Being in the right place at the right time, the ability to read your centre and finishing opportunities are all difficult skills to master. His right foot step is lethal near the line (he almost always manages to stand up his opposing winger), he makes very few mistakes (amazing considering he used to be extremely suspect under the high ball) and he's not afraid to go in where it hurts.

: Tue Feb 24, 2009 6:40 pm  

The arrow from barrow is the best winger in Super League

: Tue Feb 24, 2009 7:29 pm  

St.Rhianna wrote:

The arrow from barrow is the best winger in Super League

"Nurse, nurse!!!"

: Wed Feb 25, 2009 4:00 pm  

Gardner's pretty decent with the ball, making decent ground and being a good finisher. His work-rate isn't quite what it could be, but he's generally fine ball in hand. His major problems are in defence, where he's still extremely jumpy, coming in when it isn't needed. It's been a big problem in his game for a while and it doesn't look to have improved recently (up to the WC at least. Seeing him in one game against Wire isn't really enough to make a call on for this season).

Raynor's only really weakness is his lack of height, which means he can be beaten to a high ball when he's got a standing start against an opponent with a running jump. In pretty much every other area he's good at worst. He does a huge amount of work bringing the ball out during exit sets, something he's unmatched in in SL, with a great offload, top class footwork and the ability to get through a tackler to find a good position and a quick play if he can't get an offload away. As a finisher, he's at least as good as Gardner and his kick-chase game is great as well. Defensively, he's a strong tackler and generally makes the right decision when there is a decision to be made.

If Gardner could sort his decision making out, he'd be up there. Currently, though, Raynor's comfortably the best British winger (assuming he hasn't lost anything when he returns to fitness).

: Wed Feb 25, 2009 4:02 pm  

Wouldnt swop Ade G for any winger in Super League....not even Karl Pryce!!

: Wed Feb 25, 2009 5:22 pm  

St.Rhianna wrote:

Wouldnt swop Ade G for any winger in Super League....not even Karl Pryce!!

Don't need to as long as Gidley is his centre.

Put him outside an run of the mill SL centre and he'll be exposed what he is.