In Ablett's case I can agree with you but there would be a risk in what Walters would let in, in those 10 minutes

what can I say? He convinced me.

www.superleague.co.uk/report/11957 Stats from the game...

www.superleague.co.uk/report/11957 Stats from the game...

That's a lot of tackling we did. Watkins with 39 as well. The effect of having to hide your extra half on the field

Yep.

Watching the game on Thursday really brought it into view for me as to why McDermott had used an extra forward with Sinfield at hooker in the absence of Aiton. I couldn't really see why before but it's obviously to try and compensate for the absence of a mobile tackling machine in the middle.

And we really missed that v Cas. Had we had that mobile tackler in the middle of the pitch I think a couple of their breaks wouldn't have taken place.

I also wonder if our pack is a bit too big now? Leuluai, Garbutt, Peacock & Cuthbertson are all huge blokes, add in Delaney who isn't particularly nimble and Ablett who can, at times, appear a tad flat-footed in defence and it shouldn't be much of a surprise that teams are finding holes in our middle defence when we've no hooker to fill up some of the gaps.
We're probably feeling the combined effects of Aiton plus a few of our more mobile second rowers out at the same time.

S Ward is quite mobile and Keinhorst is when he plays. our issue is age/knackered IMO. Next year Peacock and Kylie will be gone and players much younger will take their place. JJB will be out most of the year but Delaney will have a long rest over the off season and S Ward might benefit from being in the England squad (if not the team) too.

What we need to do is decide what to do with Keinhorst. with an ageing back row I would like to see them try but a bit of size on him and play him there over Achurch,as back up/rest stops for the above first choice players.

Would personally prefer keinhorst to stay as is. He is a utility player and offers cover in forwards and backs. Would like to see Minchella used as back up SR. Always been impressed with him. Also baldwinson offers cover at 13. Agree would have all 3 before achurch

He would still be able to cover centre,I'm sure.

It's always dangerous trying to bulk players up look at Walters we have bulked him up to the point he can't even play 2nd row

indded. he's so big he couldn't get off the bench on thursday

I remember start of year, and wasn't they trying to develop Minchella into an hooker? Could he be a good bench option, back up hooker? Can do backrow and that role as needed. Therefore you get the backup we don't have this year, but with the option of also playing other roles in the pack.

I can't see it myself

How did Minchella go on at London?

It went well for him, getting experience playing first team rugby. He played loose forward most games, couple at second row and one at stand off