I think the Patton/Lilley partnership was probably scuppered by a variety of factors last year:
1. Both players being unfit
2. The pack being unfit and often unable to create space for the halfbacks.
3. Lack of a ball playing fullback with any pace to link play.
4. Lack of any decent line running 2nd rows with Scott being injured and Wallace not being picked very often.
5. Lack of a consistent loose forward.
6. General malaise, poor attitude and sterile game plans.
Now I'm not a fan of Patton. He's still looking a bit rotund for my liking and the way he took his bat home last year and the gouging made me think he's not a player anyone would enjoy playing with. However, if the 6 points above are sorted then we might get a different player. Could be a forlorn hope and I would have Lawford primed and ready as soon as he or anyone else drops out of form.