Re: FIELD : Thu Jun 20, 2024 10:55 am  

jonh wrote:

Agree re Williams and think that is why Burgess went with Hayes over Drinkwater.

Once Hayes finds his feet he’s a natural half freeing up Williams to do what he is best at, run.

At the moment Williams is doing both roles and his impact is being reduced much in the same way as if we asked French would become less effective if we asked him to run our team.

But isn't that due to those respective players skillsets being more clearly defined as NK points out? Williams has never been an effective organizing half and French has always been predominantly a runner. Long's abilities in either camp wasn't stifled by the existence of the other. Neither were many great halves. We could both rhyme off the Thurstons, Johns etc who had both without it impacting on either part of their game.

Now, I'm obviously not putting Farrimond in that company at this stage of his career but it certainly shows the principle.

Re: FIELD : Thu Jun 20, 2024 10:59 am  

Phuzzy wrote:

To be honest, I don't think we're far off being in agreement, certainly regarding Farrimond's main strengths. I just don't think you can instantly write off a pairing based on what their main strengths are.

I do have to take issue regarding Edwards though. He was always a capable organizing half throughout the entirety of his career, not just at the end of it. He played scrum half many, many times for the great Wigan sides very successfully. Didn't he also Play for England, and England schoolboys before that, as a 7?

My initial comment was in regard to who replaces Field now.

If we pair Farrimond as he is at this moment in time with Smith and run with French at 1 I think we will have issues and lose strike.

My point was I don’t think they work now or rather we have more effective ways of solving the issue.

For me Smith and French need to play 7 & 6.

We need to test other options over moving French to 1 before pairing Smith and Farrimond at the current time.

Re: FIELD : Thu Jun 20, 2024 11:01 am  

Phuzzy wrote:

But isn't that due to those respective players skillsets being more clearly defined as NK points out? Williams has never been an effective organizing half and French has always been predominantly a runner. Long's abilities in either camp wasn't stifled by the existence of the other. Neither were many great halves. We could both rhyme off the Thurstons, Johns etc who had both without it impacting on either part of their game.

Now, I'm obviously not putting Farrimond in that company at this stage of his career but it certainly shows the principle.

Don’t agree re Thurston he was a great organiser and could pick a pass. His running game not really a strength.

Johns had it all but again played his best when partnered with his brother who was a great foil for him at club level.

Re: FIELD : Thu Jun 20, 2024 11:18 am  

jonh wrote: Don’t agree re Thurston he was a great organiser and could pick a pass. His running game not really a strength. Johns had it all but again played his best when partnered with his brother who was a great foil for him at club level. You're seriously suggesting this guy didn't post a running threat? https://fb.watch/sPOcsUyzAy/?mibextid=z4kJoQ You've just lost all credibility with that statement mate! You do realize that Thurston often played 6, don't you?

jonh wrote: Don’t agree re Thurston he was a great organiser and could pick a pass. His running game not really a strength. Johns had it all but again played his best when partnered with his brother who was a great foil for him at club level. You're seriously suggesting this guy didn't post a running threat? https://fb.watch/sPOcsUyzAy/?mibextid=z4kJoQ You've just lost all credibility with that statement mate! You do realize that Thurston often played 6, don't you?

Re: FIELD : Thu Jun 20, 2024 11:26 am  

jonh wrote:

My initial comment was in regard to who replaces Field now.

If we pair Farrimond as he is at this moment in time with Smith and run with French at 1 I think we will have issues and lose strike.

My point was I don’t think they work now or rather we have more effective ways of solving the issue.

For me Smith and French need to play 7 & 6.

We need to test other options over moving French to 1 before pairing Smith and Farrimond at the current time.

I agree for the most part but I do think you're underestimating Farrimond's running game. Obviously I've only limited experience of him myself but he seems to be a pretty rounded player from what I have seen. I guess we'll see going forward.

Re: FIELD : Thu Jun 20, 2024 11:31 am  

Phuzzy wrote: You're seriously suggesting this guy didn't post a running threat? https://fb.watch/sPOcsUyzAy/?mibextid=z4kJoQ You've just lost all credibility with that statement mate! You do realize that Thurston often played 6, don't you? I’m saying his running game wasn’t his strength he was an organiser and a passer and those were the best part of his game. I’m not sure why it matters what number he wore on his back in a split half system, something you have already mentioned! Credibility? What you on about. Can’t people have a conversation/debate on a forum expressing opinions without trying to score points on “credibility”? What an odd thing to say. Back on Thurston listen to most of the podcasts he is on particularly the Bloke in a Bar one (I think) and he discusses his strengths and weaknesses.

Phuzzy wrote: You're seriously suggesting this guy didn't post a running threat? https://fb.watch/sPOcsUyzAy/?mibextid=z4kJoQ You've just lost all credibility with that statement mate! You do realize that Thurston often played 6, don't you? I’m saying his running game wasn’t his strength he was an organiser and a passer and those were the best part of his game. I’m not sure why it matters what number he wore on his back in a split half system, something you have already mentioned! Credibility? What you on about. Can’t people have a conversation/debate on a forum expressing opinions without trying to score points on “credibility”? What an odd thing to say. Back on Thurston listen to most of the podcasts he is on particularly the Bloke in a Bar one (I think) and he discusses his strengths and weaknesses.

Re: FIELD : Thu Jun 20, 2024 11:32 am  

Phuzzy wrote:

I agree for the most part but I do think you're underestimating Farrimond's running game. Obviously I've only limited experience of him myself but he seems to be a pretty rounded player from what I have seen. I guess we'll see going forward.

That’s the point, going forward….not for the next 8 weeks whilst Field is out.

Re: FIELD : Thu Jun 20, 2024 11:34 am  

Back to Field and French for that matter, anyone else think the club should say right lads we really need you two to do a proper pre-season ?

Re: FIELD : Thu Jun 20, 2024 11:36 am  

apollosghost wrote:

Back to Field and French for that matter, anyone else think the club should say right lads we really need you two to do a proper pre-season ?

I’m guessing as part of their new deals whilst it may not be written into their contracts they will have a gentleman’s agreement with the club that they are allowed to preseason in Australia.

Re: FIELD : Thu Jun 20, 2024 12:17 pm  

From what I understand it was always that French and field checked in with the club on their fitness. I be reluctant to force it on them however maybe it could be adapted maybe. Maybe more stringent like booking them in with PT’s physios whilst over there. May already happen