Ward must be kicking himself. I'm not saying we wouldn't still be chasing a new hooker but with aiton leaving then getting injured he had a great shout at playing in a GF and pushing himself forward for a regular place in the 17. What a missed opportunity... Unlike Jimmy as has been said.

I do believe that was I Mr printer sir who posted that. Was along the lines of ward basically being too 'soft', the same conversation also brought up how lilley having only played 1 game for the rhinos and a couple for hunslet seemed to have no fear in everything he went into and gave his all, which is why I see his was chosen over ward.

How imminent is imminent ?

Even if we sign a hooker, Lilley (or somebody else) needs to be ready to play there if required. If anything it gives him more chance of getting a game in the short-term. It doesn't mean he must become a hooker, but getting game time and impressing is the way to get a new contract. Fairly obviously Ward didn't and so is on his way.

Thought farah was available?

IMO Ward never looked like he possessed the attributes to be a decent SL hooker. I've seen less of Lilley but he looks superior. Hope to see more of Lilley in 2016 alongside our new first choice hooker and Burrow.

Agree with this, thought Lilley looked good in what was our lowest/hardest point of the season, would like to see him get plenty of game time next year.

Lilley looked good. Was always underwhelmed by Ward. The coaching team get nearly 100% of these types of call right.

Lilley needs to bulk up but he does look like he has some potential

He's the same height as Aiton, aiton weighs roughly 88kg and Lilley around 71kg!

He's only 19, he should gradually gain in stature over the next 2/3 years. Remember Ryan hall when he first made his debut?

It's important he doesn't try to gain weight too fast, players who do always gain excess weight and it badly effect's their performance in the short term.

Its also way too early for him to decide if he wants to be a hooker. All we need is for him to be able to step in for the odd game, not play a whole season there. He should focus on being a halfback first - I just see being able to fill in as hooker as a way for him to get more games.

That's the way I see it too. In much the same way as Watkins started with games on the wing and Sutcliffe in the backrow.

Exactly. Being able to handle the step up to add super league is stage one of development.

Stage 2 is letting his talent dictate where he plays.

My interpretation of the way we introduced Sutcliffe was that by playing him back row he firstly gets more opportunities to play due to the nature of the position and the squad. Secondly it allows him to get used to the physical side of top level rugby. His body gets used to being battered by large blokes without having the pressure of having to run a game on top, so when he gets the chance to play at halfback he's not afraid of getting belted whilst trying to put prime through gaps etc

It might be just me, but although I thought Lilly did very well for us, he looked s little chubby to me and a bit slow. Hopefully an off season to get a bit fitter and step up to the first will do him good. Look forward to seeing him next season in what opportunities he gets. Wasn't he the academy goal kicker as well ?

Exactly. He should be allowed to develop as a half back first and I would say he should work on his speed and not bulk up.