Re: Career-killing game : Mon May 28, 2012 12:25 am  

Mugwump wrote:

To be fair to Wilkin, he did play very well that season. And by that time Scully was shot.

He certainly did. But I'm sure most can agree that he was never even close to lacing Sculthorpe boots in when Scully was in his prime, yet it didn't stop many expecting Wilkin to become/thinking he already was a superior player. Fans tend to get carried away, in both positive and negative situations.

Re: Career-killing game : Mon May 28, 2012 12:31 am  

Smurf wrote:

He certainly did. But I'm sure most can agree that he was never even close to lacing Sculthorpe boots in when Scully was in his prime, yet it didn't stop many expecting Wilkin to become/thinking he already was a superior player. Fans tend to get carried away, in both positive and negative situations.

To be honest, I think Wilkin has never really gotten over being used as the dreaded "utility" player for five seasons. Had he been given the loose forward spot from the start I think he would have been more effective.

Re: Career-killing game : Mon May 28, 2012 12:54 am  

Smurf wrote:

Fans tend to get carried away, in both positive and negative situations.

Saints' fans more than most methinks. Expectations should always be high at any club wanting to be competitive, if not moreso at clubs like Saints. However that expectation needs to be realistic, unfortunately after the sustained period of success we have achieved throughout the Superleague era many of us have grown over-complacent believing it our automatic right to reach every final, and "play like we did under Millward" in every game, season in season out.

Re: Career-killing game : Mon May 28, 2012 1:02 am  

St pete wrote:

I don't want my memories of wello being what he is now. Carmont left him for dead!!!

Carmont left Gardner for dead, despite only having maybe 2 or 3 steps start on him. He just looked totally disinterested in chasing that break down.

Re: Career-killing game : Mon May 28, 2012 8:03 am  

I don't think we'd lose anything by putting Wellens in at centre in place of Shenton.

Lance
Makinson
Wellens
Jones
Meli
Lomax
Gaskell

Shenton and Wheeler to the reserves to wait for their chance after stinking the Etihad out big time.

Re: Career-killing game : Mon May 28, 2012 8:51 am  

I'm not sure what Wellens in the centre can offer - other than making an already painfully slow back line even slower. It would be embarrassing watching him attempt to keep up with Makinson on a break out of the fullback position.

On the other hand, he would be the ideal bench man, capable of deputising in all but one position - prop. He'd certainly give us far more options than someone such as Wheeler.

Re: Career-killing game : Mon May 28, 2012 9:00 am  

Dropping Wello is much needed, not only because he's now failing, but to give his eventual replacement the chance to get some game time when the pressure is off. This season is a write off, with interim coaches and us in mid table, it's the perfect opportunity to look longer term now. Makinson or Lomax or whoever to fullback has to be a priority.

Re: Career-killing game : Mon May 28, 2012 9:03 am  

FearTheVee wrote:

I don't think we'd lose anything by putting Wellens in at centre in place of Shenton.

Lance
Makinson
Wellens
Jones
Meli
Lomax
Gaskell

Shenton and Wheeler to the reserves to wait for their chance after stinking the Etihad out big time.

I don't think wello can play centre, he's far to slow.

Re: Career-killing game : Mon May 28, 2012 9:10 am  

To be honest, I'd be tempted to start Foster at centre before Wellens. He's lacking in size - but he does have the centre's instinct - good hands, knows how to put a winger away etc. At this moment Wheeler's struggling to put away his tea.

Re: Career-killing game : Mon May 28, 2012 9:14 am  

St pete wrote:

I don't think wello can play centre, he's far to slow.

But can catch the ball, tackle and pass - all of which our current centres couldn't do on Sunday.