Re: Smithies and Partington : Sat Jul 10, 2021 9:09 pm  

ChrisA wrote:

So if we replace our failing props with decent ones, where do they fit in the team? I know it looks like I have something against them, I don't, I just don't see anything offensively in them.

Combine Bullocks physical size, speed and ability with Partingtons aggression/desire and you've got potentially the best prop in the league. We just have too many players lacking in the forwards, whether it be size, commitment, aggression or talent/ability.

I agree its hard to focus on the homegrown lads, trying their best, doing everything they can. However, their everything, isn't enough IMO.

I don’t disagree with your general point mate, I think with some good experienced props around them and a year or two more experience/physical development they could improve a lot.


Not comparing them as players but I remember Luke Thompson getting bashed about in his first few years of super league and look what he’s turned into.

Patience is key

Re: Smithies and Partington : Sat Jul 10, 2021 10:14 pm  

They have gone straight from junior rugby to SuperLeague as almost senior players in a struggling team rather than getting an education out on loan. As for the question about where they fit in a team with four senior props the answer would likely be as rotation/ bench back rows with the occasional month out on loan as befits this stage in their development.

Re: Smithies and Partington : Sun Jul 11, 2021 12:00 am  

They are the standard Wigan junior forwards of the last few years..

Loads of effort and grunt, very little skills.

Re: Smithies and Partington : Sun Jul 11, 2021 8:26 am  

Magic Superbeetle wrote: He is this year averaging 8.12m a carry according to the official SL site (https://www.superleague.co.uk/player/13/morgan-knowles) so curious where your numbers are from. Also in 2018/2019 Knowles played a lot of games at hooker which would impact average gain stats as he was not a scooter Why would that impact his average gain? They don't treat passes from dummy half as a 0 yard carries. His average gain stats would just stay the same.

Magic Superbeetle wrote: He is this year averaging 8.12m a carry according to the official SL site (https://www.superleague.co.uk/player/13/morgan-knowles) so curious where your numbers are from. Also in 2018/2019 Knowles played a lot of games at hooker which would impact average gain stats as he was not a scooter Why would that impact his average gain? They don't treat passes from dummy half as a 0 yard carries. His average gain stats would just stay the same.

Re: Smithies and Partington : Sun Jul 11, 2021 9:34 am  

jonh wrote:

They are the standard Wigan junior forwards of the last few years..

Loads of effort and grunt, very little skills.

Perfect summary.

Re: Smithies and Partington : Sun Jul 11, 2021 10:05 am  

Grimmy wrote:

Why would that impact his average gain? They don't treat passes from dummy half as a 0 yard carries. His average gain stats would just stay the same.

why would running from dummy half be different from running a drive in or off a receiver?.....your not serious

Re: Smithies and Partington : Mon Jul 12, 2021 6:04 pm  

Pieman wrote:

why would running from dummy half be different from running a drive in or off a receiver?.....your not serious

If you read what he wrote, he already said Knowles wasn't a scooter hooker.

Re: Smithies and Partington : Mon Jul 12, 2021 6:30 pm  

Grimmy wrote:

If you read what he wrote, he already said Knowles wasn't a scooter hooker.

but played dummy half, you can still run from dummy half and not be a scooter

Re: Smithies and Partington : Mon Jul 12, 2021 8:18 pm  

Pieman wrote:

but played dummy half, you can still run from dummy half and not be a scooter

Don’t think you understand the point he’s trying to make.

if he doesn’t get tackled, it won’t count as a carry or towards the meters

Re: Smithies and Partington : Mon Jul 12, 2021 8:30 pm  

nathan_rugby wrote:

Don’t think you understand the point he’s trying to make.

if he doesn’t get tackled, it won’t count as a carry or towards the meters

I know but if he does run from dummy half you normally would make less metres as the markers would get you, especially if your not very quick