: Tue Feb 17, 2009 5:53 pm  

Whatever the order of the main 5 backrowers we have one needs to be dropped from the 17 on a regular basis imo because if we don't the balance of the side is all wrong.

On the opening day we were a halfback/Hooker short and for the Hull game we were a prop short all because Noble won't drop one of his 5 backrowers.

FWIW my pick to leave out would be Bailey but i don't see it happening. I can actually see a move back to centre for Bailey happening first before he'd get dropped.

: Tue Feb 17, 2009 5:54 pm  

tomkins@13
bailey and lockers second row
hock and hansen at this moment in time bench players.

[DaveO]

: Tue Feb 17, 2009 6:13 pm  

Alex BP' wrote:

In all friendlies and the first two games of this season, O'Loughlin has been playing as a typical 13.

Well I have only the Wakey game to go off this season and that wasn't what I would call a typical 13 playing. As to the friendlies you can't judge off those given the opposition in two of them. In any case he hasn't been a typical 13 for the last two seasons not just a few games this season.

When Tomkins was playing last season there were numerous posts on here calling for Lockers to be moved to the second row . Good call IMO. His game is far more suited to that position than it is a 13.

Dave

: Tue Feb 17, 2009 6:32 pm  

DaveO wrote:

Well I have only the Wakey game to go off this season and that wasn't what I would call a typical 13 playing. As to the friendlies you can't judge off those given the opposition in two of them. In any case he hasn't been a typical 13 for the last two seasons not just a few games this season.

When Tomkins was playing last season there were numerous posts on here calling for Lockers to be moved to the second row . Good call IMO. His game is far more suited to that position than it is a 13.

Dave

Against Wakefield, Sean O'Loughlin couldn't have played anymore like a Loose Forward and his ability to play freely and skillfully in the backrow is the reason why he was asked to switch to Stand Off. Whilst at 13 he occaisonally played as a play maker role, kicked out of hand and ran off the half backs (which lead to Tomkins try).

The way he and the team are currently playing, he is better suited to 13 and his recent performances have shown this. Like I say, the presence of Barrett last year prevented O'Loughlin from becoming involved in a more versatile role. Luckily he has been able to become more involved in the creative side of things.