Taking a look at our whole squad I think our struggles shouldn’t really be a surprise and they have been coming for some time. Steve Price was much maligned and some of that criticism was justified but in hindsight he probably did a pretty good job just to keep us competitive, without a decent pack leader in Hill and moments of magic from Mano and we’ve dropped right off, here’s my thoughts, for what they’re worth:
Fullback: Ratchford looks spent, seems to have suffered with quite a few niggles over the past few seasons, a bit off the pace, maybe time has just caught up with him. Thewlis looks a real talent and he’d be starting full back week in week out for me.
Wing: Charnleys try scoring record speaks for itself & he seems like he’d be really annoying to play against, Ashton’s pace is a real X factor and he is a constant threat, Minikin, not a superstar, not terrible?
Centre: I think the game as a whole is suffering from a lack of talented centres, they don’t appear to as skilled/exciting to watch as those of days past, but I’ve always thought Kings looked as good a centre as we’ve had in a while, obviously he’s not in the best of form, but I hope class is permanent and form temporary. Mautautia I’ve never really thought much of him to be honest and would prefer to see Wrench in the centres, he looks like he has bags of potential and would benefit from regular games.
Halfback: Both international class half backs, both being paid over the odds for what they’re currently producing on the pitch, granted it might be difficult behind a beaten pack, but not really seeing much value for money, would be nice to see Dean get a run to cover any injuries for example
Hooker: I think we’ve ruined Clark to be honest, pretty much since we signed him our game hasn’t been geared to his strengths and last 18 months or so he seems to have been playing not 100% fit, doubtless he’s still got talent and I’d might be looking to use him as a ball playing loose forward if his skills at dummy half can’t be better used. Walker for me is a breath of fresh air, of late he’s seemed like our only bright spark and it looks like he actually cares, he’d be a candidate as captain for me.
Props: Cooper class but aging, the rest all a bit not amazing not terrible, just a lot of average. Hopefully Harrison once he recovers from injury will be a goodun.
Back Row: Currie is still the pick of the bunch for me but not in the best of form, I didn’t know if he’d come back from his injuries but at times he’s looked like getting back up to his best which let’s be honest was world class, Holmes looks average, Hughes doesn’t offer much, I actually think playing as a prop might suit his skills (or lack of?) better but obviously lacks the size. J.Clark, average, probably waste of cap and quota space and keeping the likes of Longstaff (looks a real prospect) and Robson out the team. Davis I think is superb, tackles and runs above his weight, totally committed, utility value, think we’d be in a much better place if more had his attitude. Magoulias I haven’t seen so can’t comment but not expecting much if I’m honest.
Basically, some talent in there but not really on show currently, and then a lot of average. Good luck to Powell trying to sort it out, but I’d give him plenty of time, fixing our problems won’t happen over night, or even after 5 months with a pre-season under his belt…
Philbin was a handful but that was about it I’m afraid.
