Gary Wheeler : Mon Jan 24, 2011 10:50 am  

Could anyone who went to the game on Sunday give me an idea as to how he went and, perhaps more importantly, what sort of condition he was in?

I'm still of the opinion that he's one of the most naturally talented players at the club and I'm hoping for a big season from him.

Re: Gary Wheeler : Mon Jan 24, 2011 10:52 am  

Seemed to go down quite well, no obvious melting or breakage when dunked. Probably no chocolate hob-nob but we can't expect that.

Re: Gary Wheeler : Mon Jan 24, 2011 10:57 am  

Saddened! wrote:

Seemed to go down quite well, no obvious melting or breakage when dunked. Probably no chocolate hob-nob but we can't expect that.

Oh.

Anyone else?

Re: Gary Wheeler : Mon Jan 24, 2011 11:09 am  

FearTheVee wrote:

Could anyone who went to the game on Sunday give me an idea as to how he went and, perhaps more importantly, what sort of condition he was in?

He looked in very good condition. Slim, trim and it's had a positive impact on his pace. He made a couple of errors but that's to be expected when he hasn't played first grade in about six months. He made it through in one piece. And when he was on the pitch and performing I thought he looked sharp, pacey and as aware of what was going on around him as ever. He made a few breaks and showed real potential with that sidestep of his. Like most players he was changed around in the second half and I wasn't as aware of him then (he was moved from centre to scrum half). But I was very encouraged. Plenty more to come from him but for a first run out in months, definitely a positive performance.

Re: Gary Wheeler : Mon Jan 24, 2011 11:30 am  

He looked in much better shape, and as a result faster and more nimble too

Re: Gary Wheeler : Mon Jan 24, 2011 12:14 pm  

It was hard to put a measure on how the outside backs fared, because we so frequently cut Widnes up the middle in the first half. It really was the Pryce show, to the extent that Lee Gaskell was almost rendered not needed.

Wheeler certainly looked more trim, but like all the youngsters, I thought he was a bit rusty at time. It was exactly the reaon we need a few friendlies. There were some good touches at times, and the usual nimble footwork, but there were a couple of errors and flailing arms in the tackle.

I was heartened that RS gave him the centre slot. I think we will be a much better side with Wheeler giving us more skill and speed at centre and Soliola issuing the big tackles in the second row.

Times have changed and speed is essential - not a team full of chunks ala Potter rugby.

Re: Gary Wheeler : Mon Jan 24, 2011 12:56 pm  

His 60" chest seems to have gone down a fair bit and this must have helped his carpet carrying arm's out alot as he did'nt drop the ball.

But then again all the team looks a lot fitter

Re: Gary Wheeler : Mon Jan 24, 2011 1:22 pm  

Rommel wrote:

But then again all the team looks a lot fitter

How could Jon Wilkin ever look fitter than he did already? It's not possible.

Re: Gary Wheeler : Mon Jan 24, 2011 1:38 pm  

Slim by his standards or slim in general? He was never one of our 'skinniest' players was he

Re: Gary Wheeler : Mon Jan 24, 2011 2:13 pm  

Cheers all, interesting stuff.

Echo the sentiments about being glad he was given a shot in the centres from the off - hopefully means that's where Royce sees him playing in 2011.