New signing needed now? : Sat Apr 15, 2023 11:32 am
Ok, 9 games in, 1 loss, we would all have taken that pre-season, but I thought I'd share a few opinions and ask an obvious question.1. Our whole gameplan is based on a strong, 80 minute pack, laying a base for Williams to have space and time to weave some magic and to create chances for our backs - For opposition, as Wigan proved and Catalans almost did, if you can stop that, we look fairly clueless and limited.
2. Powell, for reasons that he will know best, has little faith in any of our young forwards and so is limited to choosing his minimum 4 matchday squad props per game from just 8 players.
3. Even though we all thought we had gone OTT with our forward signings, it now seems clear that, for the plan Powell wants to play with, 8 props in the squad is a bare minimum. Fatigue, injury, rotation, suspension, etc, will almost ensure we always have some players missing... I mean, look at Vaughan for example, he's been fantastic so far, but if we keep utilising him like we have so far, he will be in the knackers yard by June.
So, with all this in mind, a simple question, do we need to get in Mikaele's replacement sooner rather than later?
I'd suggest yes. The last thing we need is to lose the momentum we have built up. Last night we can take. It was a brave show with our backs against the wall. Positives can be taken from the fact we stayed in the game despite being outplayed in nearly all areas.. I think we could take a similar loss at Saints, but after a while too many gallant losses will take a toll on confidence and belief, and before you know it those doubts will affect performance.
Personally, I hope Fitzpatrick and Powell are identifying some new blood and will bring in a new prop soon. It will be needed.
