And back in the real world, we won the previous year because we finally realised that you need to start with quality hookers and leave them on for as long as possible, using wee Robbie as an impact sub. That was why we achieved that success. Not because of starting Burrow at hooker

I guess that's alright then, it's not like they are well rewarded full-time professional players (and coaches) aiming to win a record breaking 4th World Club Challenge in front of a sold out stadium and a live TV audience or anything.



Didn't we have this conversation last year and wasn't your position then that defensive patterns stay pretty much intact even after contact with the opposition? You now appear to be producing caveats when addressing two examples in what would be the opening five (?) defensive sets of an actual game. Players relatively fresh and alert, knowing their roles without the complication of substitues being introduced. Perhaps the pretty much intact comment warranted testing a little further.

On the first mis-alignment it followed a McGuire kick from the right. He didn't have much time to shift back left and stayed right throughout that next defensive set. On the fourth Moon was signalling for re-inforcements on the left (and McGuire waved back) the problem there for mine were the central defenders not realising McGuire had swtched flanks and making an adjustment to compensate. Is the structure too rigid that it can't adjust, is the talk not good enough man to man, was the full-back communicating with his defensive line?

The second case on eleven minutes was a little different though. The starting hooker was supporting a break down the centre when McGuire's offload to Jones-Buchanan was ruled forward. As it was on the last a turnover was ruled. The hooker for some reason decided to go left flank instead of right even though that represented a longer journey. Again as before there was confusion and no adjustment from the central defenders to compensate, this time leaving Sinfield exposed.

And in Gotcha world you've been claiming this team was finished for several years so why should anyone take your opinions on why you think we've been successful seriously?

Did I say it's alright?

The question is whether Leeds' defensive alignment is being compromised on occasions by using a converted half-back who cannot defend the ruck. While in theory it's possible to do so by shifting additional defensive responsibilities on to the loose-forward does it work well in practice?

Prior to Burrow being used as a starting hooker I don't recall noting he and McGuire stood side by side in the defensive line too often - presenting opponents with a rather obvious target to attack - whereas over the course of this season and last it's becoming a fairly common sight.

While both can and generally do defend well out wide (one on either flank) you wouldn't want them together having a big forward heading their way, especially when close to the line. It's also been the case where players on the opposite flank when this has happened over the last two games (Moon V Melbourne and Ablett V St Helens) have been left waving for re-inforcements as the defensive line has become unbalanced and failed to adjust.

But of course our esteemed coach has noticed this and cannot be criticised for his selection policy: the 17 chosen are obviously the best at training the house down