Good point.
He has potential but let`s not get carried away just yet.
He has played well when selected recently.
Unfortunately as was the case with McDermott certain players will rarely get dropped and will stay in the team until they get injured

He didn't just do his job though. He excelled over the other players, and therfore for me at least, he has earned the shirt. Especially considering the form of his competition in the squad before this. It is not as if they were doing enough beforehand to earn their shirt and therefore keep it.

Newman looked really good, even allowing for the poor opposition, while playing centre, and that is where he should be selected imo.

if Newman is in over anybody it would be over Watkins and that's due to watkins poor form.

Watkins is getting through a lot of defence at the moment, and making his tackles. He's also a good passer of the ball, even if he lacks confidence and pace after his injury.

I'd potentially consider bringing Newman in on the wing to begin with - in current form I'd back him to do more with one of Watkins' flick passes than Briscoe. Hardaker and Watkins both started on the wing for Leeds... Handley at least has a good partnership with Hurrell, although I'm still not convinced he's the requisite quality for a club of our ambitions.

Lolohea
Briscoe Newman / Watkins Hurrell Handley
Sutcliffe Myler
Peteru Dwyer Oledzki
Trout JJB
Ferres

Parcell Donaldson Albert Singleton

Personally I would play Watkins At centre, however I can see the case for Newman getting a game. If Newman played at 3,I would still play this current version of Watkins lite with a fridge on his back before JJB or Donaldson, as Exeter said for his tacking, passing, skill and game awareness.

Have to say I am worried how we will hold their props and leeming. our left of ferres, Koni and handley could have a tough time if hudds replicate what they did v cas. It will also be a big defensive test for Tui at Fb. Could
Be a very grim weekend.

Newman deserves to keep his place especially as Watkins has been awful so far this season and has offered little on attack and has been woeful in defence. In too many games he and Briscoe have been at fault for so many tries on our right flank. And as a captain he is useless. He needs to regain his fitness, speed and confidence so a few weeks out will help him get over his serious injury.

Hurrell played the majority of his NRL career on the right. If Watkins were to miss out it might make more sense for Hurrell to move to 3 and Newman to 4. Newman looks a bit at sea in defence at times, but that could partly be if he's played on the wrong side.

Moving forward, assuming Watkins does get fit, Newman needs to be able to play on the wing or else he'll find he never gets picked often.

Move our best player from the position he's been in all season and looks superb in to accommodate a young kid?

GRIM WEEKEND!!!!
Two derby defeats and everyone will be smelling the coffee. A tight relegation battle with London. The Magic weekend fixture will be vital in protecting our SL status.
HOW THE HELL DID WE GET IN THIS MESS??????

Believe

We will lose both Easter games. No chance we will win either. Hull KR and Salford we might have a sniff if merrin and Ava are here.

I also think we'll lose both games and Furner will be sacked.

I think we will win on Monday, but tomorrow will be touch and go.