its make or break for the lad

He still hasn't been afforded that many chances though really in those four seasons you talk about.

For the record though I have never been convinced on rhinoms thoughts on McShane. I think the club made a huge mistake last season in letting Buderus go. With McShane, he obviously has the potential. He has a great kicking game that is under used, he has good distribution. His tackling game is adequate if nothing great. But something just doesn't fit. He is to me a scrum half who is just not good enough for a scrum half role, rather than an out and out hooker. For me he is a mirror image of Dean Lawford. But for those that don't remember him, he too was regarded very highly by coaches with an excellent technical game, but he just couldn't deliver when he got into the match. That for me is where I see McShane at the moment. But who knows he may well take that step that Lawford couldn't.

It was Lawfords lifestyle and failure to commit to hard work that was his un-doing.

In game, his passing was sublime and had a very useful long and short kicking game. Very 'old-school'.

Not exactly helped by his razor sharp intellect.

Isn't he the player who when on holiday in Tunisia said he wanted to hire a car and go explore the island?

There are dozens of examples of his 'logic' doing the rounds, that seem to end up in former team mates auto-bios!!

But I wouldn't question his rugby brain. Two different beasts.

I meant it more as an indication of his ability (or otherwise) to link what he got up to off the field with how he was subsequently able to perform on it.

You can teach players all about good habits, eating well, resting and refuelling properly, but if they're not smart enough to take it in you are wasting your time.

in the U20s game at the weekend Paul Mcshane walked off the pitch in disgust after being substituted. He walked off to the changing room, got showered and went home. Is this the end for Paul Mcshane I wonder?
(hood was starting hooker with mcshane on the bench)

If true then it would be no shock. I do have some sympathy with the lad (negotiates a 4 year contract, secures the no.9 shirt then is pushed out of the pecking order by Burrow ...and now justifiably by the much superior Lunt too. Becoming 4th choice behind Hood is then hardly going to inspire much faith in him having a future with the club).

Let him go I say: be fair to the lad.

I don't believe that.

He doesn't look like he's ever had a good wash.

I cannot believe what i am reading (needs a good wash) i find it amazing how quick our own fans turn on our young players. I cannot remember diskin rob or kev being world beaters at the start of their careers but all were given time to develop. I do remember jimmy lowes being in a similar position and look where he ended up.I personally don't think we need him as we have got lunt and rob plus hood will be ready in a season or two but i would rather see the lad given a chance elsewhere than treat him this way or slag him off on here.

Just hope he can pronounce his 'r's

If true, I can't see McDermott tolerating that, nor would I want him to. A shame, because he could be a decent player if he puts the effort in and gets the right attitude.


Hi Paul

Did Matt Diskin, Rob Burrow or Kevin Sinfield show such disrespect to the club, coaching staff and other players? Not to mention rumours about McShane's attitude in games & at training.

Did this actually happen or is it somebody's overactive imagination? McShane's been named in the 19 for tomorrow, so I'd suggest the latter.

Pass. I'm just glad Brent Webb is still alive and kicking.