Re: Squad numbers announced : Tue Nov 22, 2011 9:08 am  

Adeybull wrote:

And Briggs, it would appear?

Thought the exact same. What's he done wrong? At the fans forum Potter said Sammut or Briggs would play SO with no mention of BJ now it appears he's one up from Paul Sykes.

Re: Squad numbers announced : Tue Nov 22, 2011 9:09 am  

I would say that Sammut really does need to be part of the 17 man squad, especially in place of Sibbit as he is an excellent impact player against a tiring defence.

Jeffries probably did enough to deserve keeping the number 6 shirt, rightly or wrongly, as he came in last season and did a better job than any of the other half backs and therefore probs deserves a chance to keep the shirt.

Slightly concerned with Chev in the centres though.

Re: Squad numbers announced : Tue Nov 22, 2011 9:10 am  

M@islebugs wrote:

Thought the exact same. What's he done wrong?

He's not good enough. Simple.

Re: Squad numbers announced : Tue Nov 22, 2011 9:18 am  

He's closer to good enough than Ben Jeffries and who in their right mind would pick Ian Sibbit on the bench before Tom Burgess.

Re: Squad numbers announced : Tue Nov 22, 2011 9:28 am  

Well squad numbers mean very little in this day and age. It may give people an idea of what Potter's first choice team may be. However, given the squad depth we have, I wouldn't put too much stock in that.

I'm just hoping we don't end up with the injury list we had this year and Potter can pick a squad based on form rather than squad numbers.

Really, I think the numbers mean more to the players than anyone else. If you've got 1-17 on your back then you're top of the pecking order. Doesn't mean you're guaranteed a spot in the team that takes the field and in fact, can be used as motivation to the players who don't have 1-17 as their squad number to push harder for their inclusion into match day squads

Re: Squad numbers announced : Tue Nov 22, 2011 10:31 am  

I think people are getting too fixated on 1-17 being Potters first choice line up

If you read the T&A report, its the reporting saying that 'it would appear' that these are the first choice 17, there's nothing specific from Mick Potter at all.

Obviously, Tom Burgess is going to on the bench as the fourth prop over Sibbit. So that shoots down the idea that these are the first picks.

I'm not worried. I expect Sammut or Briggs to force Jeffries out of the 6 position, assuming they play well. Perhaps giving them other squad numbers was a kick up the pants for them? Who knows. And, BTW, wasn't Briggs something like No 32 last season, so at least he's got a lower number this time

Re: Squad numbers announced : Tue Nov 22, 2011 10:37 am  

Squad numbers are that just a number Fielden had number 29 for years and was best prop in super league. Potter will pick the team on form not numbers.

Re: Squad numbers announced : Tue Nov 22, 2011 10:47 am  

fat bull slim wrote:

Squad numbers are that just a number Fielden had number 29 for years and was best prop in super league. Potter will pick the team on form not numbers.

In fairness, Fielden's was through his own choice.

Re: Squad numbers announced : Tue Nov 22, 2011 10:49 am  

paulwalker71 wrote:

If you read the T&A report, its the reporting saying that 'it would appear' that these are the first choice 17, there's nothing specific from Mick Potter at all.

And the T&A guys new isn't he, I've yet to see anything to give me the same confidence in what he says that I had with Connor.

Re: Squad numbers announced : Tue Nov 22, 2011 11:06 am  

paulwalker71 wrote:

I think people are getting too fixated on 1-17 being Potters first choice line up

If you read the T&A report, its the reporting saying that 'it would appear' that these are the first choice 17, there's nothing specific from Mick Potter at all.

Obviously, Tom Burgess is going to on the bench as the fourth prop over Sibbit. So that shoots down the idea that these are the first picks.

I'm not worried. I expect Sammut or Briggs to force Jeffries out of the 6 position, assuming they play well. Perhaps giving them other squad numbers was a kick up the pants for them? Who knows. And, BTW, wasn't Briggs something like No 32 last season, so at least he's got a lower number this time

Agree with all you say, but:1-17 theres already 4 props on pitch and bench. but you do highlight that fourth bench place as a real conundrum. it could be Tom if MnM plays 2nd row, it could be Sammut , it could be Sibbit, Olbison, Addy, Donaldson etc, depending on tactics and form.