So, Ryan Bailey had a pretty decent game against Hull KR. Just thought it should be mentioned. Don't worry I know there's a thread on this already, I'm aware of this and I'm not duplicating information for the fun of it, I'm doing it in the interest of fairness.

I mean, over the years, how many negative threads or posts have been vocalised about Bailey? With repeated ramblings? Even in very recent times? So, I think it's only fair that this swings both ways.

In my opinion he was awesome. Tackled hard all game and played as well in the second row as he did at prop. He started the game, first time in what seems like donkeys, and laid down a signal of intent.

Early doors, he smashed Fozzard with a blood and thunder hit, made a decent break in the first half and was ultimately the match winner when he put Watkins over in the second. He burst through a three man tackle, Welham went hurlting back, he used good footwork, took the run to the line and executed a perfect 'draw your man and pass.'

He displayed power, aggression, agility, thought and courage. All in the game breaking moment. He also took one for the team, when he drew Briscoe (who had an outstanding game himself who saved Senior from going over, but couldn't deny Bailey), and was caught and laid knocked out. There was no malice involved, but Bailey took one for the cause. So all you who questioned his commitment, his tackle bust ability and his aggression, quite frankly......bend over.

Take me .... I'm the first to admit I have never been a Bailey fan...but agree with this synopsis. I just hope he can do this consistently rather than be the nasty annoying penalty giving nemesis we see more often.

Bailey has been a key part of 3 championships. He does a dirty job, the job that JJB didnt get credit for either.

He's been a regular since 2003 and I'm happy to take those coaches opinions over message board never has beens.

It wouldnt surprise me if the same posters who bag Bailey are the same posters who didnt rate our double championship winning coach.

I am not so sure he "had a pretty decent game" on Friday, I thought he was absolutely outstanding, and for me MOM.

That said I am not so sure there is any need for people who have critisized him to bend over.

Those that have continually slammed him however should bend over, because Friday was proof if we ever needed any of what Bailey can offer when on form. Personally I have always backed him on what he can offer and defended him on here many times, but will also state if he had a bad game.

What we need from Bailey now is consistency. Lets be honest and fair here, he has not put in many performances like Friday over the last couple of years. But he does damn well offer a lot more to the team than he often gets credit for.

Quote: johnholmesfan "Take me www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2009 07 - played 24 SL games - only 18 penalties. 08 - played 19 SL games - only 15 penalties. So the average, is well under one penalty a game. It's this kind of opinion I'm fighting against. The ill-informed and vastly mis-judged.

Quote: johnholmesfan "Take me www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2009 07 - played 24 SL games - only 18 penalties. 08 - played 19 SL games - only 15 penalties. So the average, is well under one penalty a game. It's this kind of opinion I'm fighting against. The ill-informed and vastly mis-judged.

I'd agree. I was trying to be understated. I'll have to work on that then!!

I'm keeping my end up G!

I'd agree with that. I judge very simply by what I see. And I try to look at things for what they actually are. I know its a crazy and 'out there' thing to do, but it works for me.

Viagra?

Nah mate, not for me, I love finishing early.

I started a topic about Bailey sometime last week with the view of hearing other peoples opinions about him and it seems there is a massive gulf between those who see him not worthy of his Leeds place and those who rate him as an unrecognised asset. Ive always been neutral towards Bailey and recognised he must be doing alot more good than bad or else he wouldn't be in the team.

He did however have something to prove to me; and he did so on Friday Night. Bailey should have got man of the Match. He put in a more than worthy perfomance and it was good to see him doing so and subsequently getting the plaudits, if not officially but at least on here. I only hope firstly he is okay after the injury and secondly he continues performing like he did on Friday throughout the season.

On the subject of penalties though, so far this season he is averaging 2 a game. This is too much, no doubt about it! If it carries on at this rate and he continues to get the games it will be over 40 by the end of the season, and thats more than any one player has given away in the past 5 years of Super League. I doubt however that will be the case! Another Interesting point where past penalties are concerned are yes in 2008 he only gave away 15 penalties and if you compare Peacock gave away more (20) Im sure some of Baileys faithful will take the view of Peacock gave away more and nobody gets on his case. Thats True but when you compare metres made, tackles made etc etc etc it all levels its self out. I think its all reletive and I think and hope Bailey continues playing like he did on Friday; lets see how many people complain then....

Either way I think its safe to say Bailey needs to be recognised as an integral part of the Leeds Team whether it is seen or not. If he wasn't much good they'd have got shut of him and lets face it, we can't fault the Leeds Coaches over the past few seasons, they obviously know what they are doing.....

Agreed.

Yeah at that rate it would be too high. But realistically it won't happen. I tried to sensible with the data I picked, I mean its hard to work out any generalisations from only a few games. That's why I picked the last two seasons, in full, as I belive they report a true reflection of what actually has happened. Rather than going all Mystic Meg.