Leon Hayes : Wed Aug 31, 2022 11:57 pm  

He appears likely to replace Stefan Ratchford, who is struggling with a groin injury, and Powell has backed the 18-year-old scrum-half to seize the opportunity and give him a decision to make about who partners George Williams going into 2023.

Took that from the guardian, hope the kid smashes it and does give Powell that dilemma for next season.
We really can not have Ratchford in the halves going forward, Hayes can kick a goal also.

Also right now we look possibly we make struggle with centre positions, well if we going to play Ratchford at all I’d rather it be Centre than anywhere else right now. Be a lot happier when anything regarding Wardle is settled.

Re: Leon Hayes : Thu Sep 01, 2022 5:47 am  

I hope he goes well, I don't think Powell will go with him for next season even if he does though, he didn't go with Dean this season when he was the best option and then bizarrely gave him a contract extension. I agree with you regarding ratchford in the halves, I don't think he's bad there but he doesn't organise and control a game which is what we are short in the halves. Williams kicking in the final 20 is absolutely fine as was demonstrated last week but his tactical kicking game just isn't there and neither is ratchfords.

The 8 young players promoted to the first team is encouraging, the academy is being trusted to provide first team cover and most of them have had a game as well. We don't as look as light in the backs now anyway.

Re: Leon Hayes : Thu Sep 01, 2022 7:24 am  

I haven't seen much of Leon, but for those that have what is the difference between Leon and Riley and which one would be better for the slot next season if we don't buy an antipodean in?

Re: Leon Hayes : Thu Sep 01, 2022 7:55 am  

Snaggletooth wrote:

I haven't seen much of Leon, but for those that have what is the difference between Leon and Riley and which one would be better for the slot next season if we don't buy an antipodean in?

Leon Hayes is an organising halfback while Riley Dean is an off-the-cuff half.

Both have all the skills to make it to the highest level, with long kicking and short kicking games, goal kicking and brilliant footwork.

I am a big fan of Riley Dean, but Leon Hayes would complement Williams better, with his organising skills.

If Williams eventually leaves, then they would be an ideal halfback combination for Wire, when they are a bit older.

Re: Leon Hayes : Thu Sep 01, 2022 8:49 am  

Boss Hog wrote:

Leon Hayes is an organising halfback while Riley Dean is an off-the-cuff half.

Both have all the skills to make it to the highest level, with long kicking and short kicking games, goal kicking and brilliant footwork.

I am a big fan of Riley Dean, but Leon Hayes would complement Williams better, with his organising skills.

If Williams eventually leaves, then they would be an ideal halfback combination for Wire, when they are a bit older.

Thanks bud, sounds good for both of these youngsters

Re: Leon Hayes : Thu Sep 01, 2022 9:58 am  

Boss Hog wrote:

Leon Hayes is an organising halfback while Riley Dean is an off-the-cuff half.

Both have all the skills to make it to the highest level, with long kicking and short kicking games, goal kicking and brilliant footwork.

I am a big fan of Riley Dean, but Leon Hayes would complement Williams better, with his organising skills.

If Williams eventually leaves, then they would be an ideal halfback combination for Wire, when they are a bit older.

How fantastic would that be provided they both develop in to the desired quality. 2 home grown halves.

Re: Leon Hayes : Thu Sep 01, 2022 12:16 pm  

Just young enough to be the sons of Hulse and Durbin.

Re: Leon Hayes : Thu Sep 01, 2022 9:28 pm  

Douglas Black wrote:

Just young enough to be the sons of Hulse and Durbin.

Also young enough to be the sons of Harris and Sculthorpe, but now the club has the financial clout to retain them.

Re: Leon Hayes : Thu Sep 01, 2022 9:49 pm  

Boss Hog wrote:

Also young enough to be the sons of Harris and Sculthorpe, but now the club has the financial clout to retain them.

I was talking to a young lad at work the other day who is a leigh fan and we were talking about class ex players and at one point he said "what? You had Harris and Sculthorpe in the same team?!!". He was gobsmacked. Its frightening to think if it was now we would be keeping hold of them both.

Re: Leon Hayes : Thu Sep 01, 2022 10:28 pm  

One of the things Powell has earned a reputation for is giving youth a chance and polishing coal into diamonds.

I'm still waiting.

I can't recall a time when we had such a crop of promising youngsters yet we can safely assume Ratchford will be ahead of Hayes and Dean for 2023.