Re: Squad for Wakefield : Sun Jul 30, 2023 10:03 am  

Bit dramatic. Not sure the fact that Hayes & Wrench aren't playing is that important. The board would look at all sorts of things. I'd never ever wish a Wire loss.

Re: Squad for Wakefield : Sun Jul 30, 2023 10:07 am  

The situation with Mata’utia is frustrating, his confidence in him just seems unshakable, I’d have Wrench starting centre ahead of him today without a doubt. It would be interesting to hear him answer a question on Wrench vs Mata’utia, to hear his reasoning.

Hayes was never going to play while Drinkwater (who has been ok) and Williams are fit. It’s a shame he was injured for the past 6 weeks or so, would have been good to see him get a run.

That aside, I think Powell has given more opportunities to young players than any Wire manager for a long time.

Re: Squad for Wakefield : Sun Jul 30, 2023 10:17 am  

I've seen Wrench do some very exciting things but still lots to prove for me.

Re: Squad for Wakefield : Sun Jul 30, 2023 10:19 am  

Smiffy27 wrote:

I've seen Wrench do some very exciting things but still lots to prove for me.

Agreed, but I feel he’s done enough to deserve a bit of a run in his favoured position, and Mata’utia hasn’t done enough to keep him out.

Re: Squad for Wakefield : Sun Jul 30, 2023 10:27 am  

I reckon Wrench is not quite as good as one or two think & that Mata'utia is not as bad. But we all see different things.

Re: Squad for Wakefield : Sun Jul 30, 2023 10:36 am  

Given all the discussion about how if we lose today’s match it is curtains for Powell I think he is totally within his rights to select whoever he thinks is most likely to be effective TODAY, it is his head on the block.

Re: Squad for Wakefield : Sun Jul 30, 2023 10:37 am  

Smiffy27 wrote:

I reckon Wrench is not quite as good as one or two think & that Mata'utia is not as bad. But we all see different things.

Regarding Matautia, generally he isn't lousy and he isn't outstanding. He's just whatever .....

The problem is he appears to be undroppable and Powell doean't do anyone any favours with his hyperbole because that just reinforces the view.

Re: Squad for Wakefield : Sun Jul 30, 2023 10:39 am  

Captain Hook wrote:

Given all the discussion about how if we lose today’s match it is curtains for Powell I think he is totally within his rights to select whoever he thinks is most likely to be effective TODAY, it is his head on the block.

I expect a Wire team with a 98% fit roster to win today, probably a clunky, unconvincing laboured win. Whether that should be a good enough benchmark for a club with our squad, net spend and aspirations is debatable.

Re: Squad for Wakefield : Sun Jul 30, 2023 11:12 am  

morrisseyisawire wrote:

Regarding Matautia, generally he isn't lousy and he isn't outstanding. He's just whatever .....

The problem is he appears to be undroppable and Powell doean't do anyone any favours with his hyperbole because that just reinforces the view.

I agree with you (stands back in amazement). I know lots of better centres in Super League but I am not certain they are at Wire at the moment & that's probably the reason he hasn't been left out. I am currently watching Wrench's last game at centre v Hudds. I reckon he has pace to burn but still not sure of best position ... he's raw. From what I've seen If I was picking a team to save my life I'd pick Mata'utia. But I would love to coach Wrench & see how best to use him. He needs space & sometimes it isn't there.

Re: Squad for Wakefield : Sun Jul 30, 2023 11:19 am  

Is wrench the finished article... No
Is matautia a better player... He might have been once but now offers nothing in attack and is a targeted hole in defence... One is the future needing a consistent run in the team who is denied by a coach who appears to be using seemingly subjective mates rates criteria in picking the team and therefore accountability falls with him should his judgement this year ultimately prove wrong