Half Back : Wed Jan 31, 2024 3:14 pm  

George Williams's thoughts on Leon Hayes's Development confirms my thoughts that we need some more half back cover. From what I have seen Leon needs more time before he can play regularly at Super League level. Mind you I have been wrong before.

From the Guardian
At the age of just 19, however, Williams believes rushing the Warringtonian’s development would be to his detriment.
“Leon’s had a glimpse of first-team but I think he needs 12 months of playing against men now,” he said.
“That could be on dual-registration when the time comes – there’s some good teams in the Championship and he’ll certainly learn his trade there.
“He’ll be really good for us over time but we can’t rush him too quick – if we’re talking about trying to win a Grand Final, it’s a big ask for a young kid.”

Re: Half Back : Wed Jan 31, 2024 3:23 pm  

We have Ratchford and Powell who can play in the halves if needed. We can't really bring in a back up half - who would that be?

We just need a better one than Drinkwater, but that will have to wait until next season.

Re: Half Back : Wed Jan 31, 2024 3:35 pm  

As I'd like another prop too ... what we really could do with is a prop/half back cover ... Les Boyd.
Though (as an ex-half back) I still cannot see why Thewlis can't play half back.

Re: Half Back : Wed Jan 31, 2024 4:13 pm  

Who said "Argue for your limitations and they are yours?"

Some halfbacks that sprung to mind and their age when securing a first team place.

Andy Gregory 19
Shaun Edwards 17
Sean Long 18
Tommy Martyn 18
Bobby Goulding 17
Lewis Dodd 19
Johnny Lomax 19

Re: Half Back : Wed Jan 31, 2024 4:17 pm  

Add Briers to the list

Re: Half Back : Wed Jan 31, 2024 4:24 pm  

It's all sounding like the Warrington Wolves Half back development programme again. -> Taste of first team -> Short Loan -> Extended Loan -> Lower Grade RL

I've lost count of how many have done that route.

Re: Half Back : Wed Jan 31, 2024 4:25 pm  

Wires71 wrote:

Who said "Argue for your limitations and they are yours?"

Some halfbacks that sprung to mind and their age when securing a first team place.

Andy Gregory 19
Shaun Edwards 17
Sean Long 18
Tommy Martyn 18
Bobby Goulding 17
Lewis Dodd 19
Johnny Lomax 19

I'm not certain what you are getting at here, But (I will guess) If a player is good enough (and at half back ... it usually means quick enough off the mark) then I would put them in early. But my instincts tell me that Hayes he is not ready yet. Williams seems to agree,
Just to clarify thoughts ... you usually need to be "poop off a shovel" to play half-back if you are small otherwise you get hurt,

Re: Half Back : Wed Jan 31, 2024 4:26 pm  

Hayes seemed to cope fine defensively against the big guys. I can only assume it’s something else that is holding him back. When he played he looked like a great little organiser. Relative to Drinkwater, anyway. I’m encouraged by what Williams has said about Drinkwater’a fitness. Looks like he’s a bit more committed this year already, so will give him a chance.

On a side note, I was also encouraged by Toby King’s attitude, as he seems to have matured a bit and is taking ownership of a few things. He even mentions that he wasn’t first choice at centre when he first came back. Good to know Burgess is on top of things in that regard, picking players on what he sees rather than what they’ve done previously.

Re: Half Back : Wed Jan 31, 2024 4:28 pm  

If he's good enough - he's good enough. Powell or Ratchford at half back won't win us a GF (or many games either)

Re: Half Back : Wed Jan 31, 2024 4:32 pm  

Smiffy27 wrote:

I'm not certain what you are getting at here, But (I will guess) If a player is good enough (and at half back ... it usually means quick enough off the mark) then I would put them in early. But my instincts tell me that Hayes he is not ready yet. Williams seems to agree,

Yes it seems that he is "not ready yet" which is basically code for "not good enough yet" at 19. This is sad.

Can you name a young Warrington halfback who has benefited from going on loan to come back and secure the starting halfback role for a period of time?

I'm just worried this sounds all too familiar.

Hulse, Durbin, Patton, Dean etc - sure I have missed a few.