Re: Warrington : Fri Aug 16, 2019 10:00 pm  

I think the second half showed what difference a “big man” impact sub can make.

BMM made a massive impact on the game and wrestled control and momentum back for Wire and Philbin was amazing.

They were able to expose our lack of size in the middle, however next season that looks to be a different story.

Re: Warrington : Fri Aug 16, 2019 10:17 pm  

I would imagine the stats will show that they made more post-contact metres than we did, but ATEOD we stopped them playing, Goal-line defence was much better organised than last week too. Considering we also kept them out with twelve men (did anyone else think the sin-binning a bit harsh? Looked a pen to me, no more? I wondered at the game if it was for dissent, but seeing the highlights back, apparently not), which was no small feat.

Also, other than that, I thought our discipline much better. We hit them hard, but legally, and didn't give them too many easy outs.

Re: Warrington : Fri Aug 16, 2019 11:21 pm  

Last Son of Wigan wrote:

I'm still not sure where he'll play next season.
I have a feeling it won't be wing.

From the very little I’ve seen I think full back will be his best position but I wouldn’t be dropping or moving Hardaker. I’d be inclined to give him a go at #6.

Re: Warrington : Sat Aug 17, 2019 7:39 am  

It’ll be interesting to see where he will play for sure. They just need to do what’s best for the team and if they think that’s moving Hardaker to centre and putting French in at fullback then so be it.

I know one thing, a backline containing French, Hardaker, Gildart, Hastings and a couple from Marshall, Burgess, Manfredi etc is going to be a joy to watch.

Re: Warrington : Sat Aug 17, 2019 7:54 am  

NickyKiss wrote:

It’ll be interesting to see where he will play for sure. They just need to do what’s best for the team and if they think that’s moving Hardaker to centre and putting French in at fullback then so be it.

I know one thing, a backline containing French, Hardaker, Gildart, Hastings and a couple from Marshall, Burgess, Manfredi etc is going to be a joy to watch.

I've been pleased with Hardaker at full back, it's his best position and is very strong at the back. Takes a high ball with ease and gives you a settled feeling in defence.

With French who has experience in the halves (it's not like chucking Burgess or Marshall in at 6) I think I'd start off with him there....partnering Hastings, its a mouthwatering prospect.

Re: Warrington : Sat Aug 17, 2019 8:04 am  

MattyB wrote:

I've been pleased with Hardaker at full back, it's his best position and is very strong at the back. Takes a high ball with ease and gives you a settled feeling in defence.

With French who has experience in the halves (it's not like chucking Burgess or Marshall in at 6) I think I'd start off with him there....partnering Hastings, its a mouthwatering prospect.

You’re right with Hardaker giving you a real feeling of safety but maybe sometimes you have to take an attacking option and you get the sense French would be electric sniffing around from fullback. I do wonder how much stand off French has actually played. I heard comments he’d been playing there in reserve grade in Australia but I had a look at the Facebook page of the side he played for (Wentworthville) and he started at fullback for at least the last month or two.

We’ll find an order anyway and whatever way we go, I’m expecting carnage. The pace in that 2020 backline will be too much for a lot of teams to handle.

Re: Warrington : Sat Aug 17, 2019 8:22 am  

NickyKiss wrote:

You’re right with Hardaker giving you a real feeling of safety but maybe sometimes you have to take an attacking option and you get the sense French would be electric sniffing around from fullback. I do wonder how much stand off French has actually played. I heard comments he’d been playing there in reserve grade in Australia but I had a look at the Facebook page of the side he played for (Wentworthville) and he started at fullback for at least the last month or two.

We’ll find an order anyway and whatever way we go, I’m expecting carnage. The pace in that 2020 backline will be too much for a lot of teams to handle.

He kind of reminds me of Amos Roberts as I'm sure there was a lot of chat about him potentially being able to play 6.

I don't want to write French off at 6 (I've not even seen him play there), but I'm not being filled with confidence. I think we'll get 12 months out of Hastings and to make the most of it, I hope we're not messing around with an experimental HB partner.

Re: Warrington : Sat Aug 17, 2019 8:32 am  

NickyKiss wrote:

It’ll be interesting to see where he will play for sure. They just need to do what’s best for the team and if they think that’s moving Hardaker to centre and putting French in at fullback then so be it.

I know one thing, a backline containing French, Hardaker, Gildart, Hastings and a couple from Marshall, Burgess, Manfredi etc is going to be a joy to watch.

Thats a decent backline, do you think Budgie will become surplus to requirements and end up as a back up player.

Re: Warrington : Sat Aug 17, 2019 9:11 am  

jonh wrote:

I think the second half showed what difference a “big man” impact sub can make.

BMM made a massive impact on the game and wrestled control and momentum back for Wire and Philbin was amazing.

They were able to expose our lack of size in the middle, however next season that looks to be a different story.

BMM, took 3 carries for 17 metres. And made 11 tackles.

Absolute pudding.

Philbin was quality though 18 for 159m, 19 tackles.

Re: Warrington : Sat Aug 17, 2019 9:15 am  

Last Son of Wigan wrote:

I'm still not sure where he'll play next season.
I have a feeling it won't be wing.

With the footwork he possesses, wing is a criminal waste