Chase is a little more proven than Westerman. I don't get Westerman. Sometimes he looks like a fantastic player. Sometimes he looks like a total amateur. Sometimes these two states are achieved in the same match.

How was it Alex Ferguson described Paul Ince's attitude - "Big Time Charlie"?

Fits Westerman pretty appropriately from what I've heard, both while he was at Cas and even more so since his move to Hull FC.

To Jonesy a Legend

it was one of the junior squad members that told me Rob doesnt want to play the hooking role full time i even questioned the fact that this is his testimonial season and he surely wouldnt leave over this but thats whast the lad said ofcourse this could just be his and not Robs stance but it must have been spoken about as i didnt ask him he volunteered the statement when he told me there was rumours regarding Chase being signed he also said that Chase had been seen at HQ

I'll believe Chase at Leeds if/when I see it.

But IF he does come, and Buderus doesn't go. There is no room at the club for McGuire, Burrow, Chase, Buderus AND McShane.

The most likely outcome IMO, based on McDermott this year is that Burrow would likely be used as the "impact" hooker, with McGuire/Chase at 6/7, and there'd be no spot for McShane.

Which would mean that we'd lose McShane. Now, as much as I've loved watching Bedsy at Leeds, and I really REALLY have, I'd rather he went this year than risk losing McShane for the next 10 years.

From what ive seen Hood looks a cracking prospect too

It doesnt make sense at all really and it would be an epic mistake to lose Mcshane he has jut signed a new 4yr deal according to my source and you are bang on as to what role Burrows should play according to Mcnumnuts plans for next year thats why Burrow has said he doesnt want to play the 9 role but from what Ive been told Mcshane doesnt fit in too what Mcnumnuts plans either

Hoods a cracking prospect IMO and he too has just signed a new 4yr deal and is possibly going to championship side on dual registration next year

I just wish the club would give us a clue as to whats happening with presonnel for next year

ANY player should be grateful and be privelaged to have a spot in the 17. Rugby League is a team sport and you play anywhere to help the side, and be grateful you have a spot.

ANY player who takes a huff regarding his postion can walk for me, and don't look back.

To be honest i dont see the problem as Rob plays the role Very well its not like there asking him to replace JP

On the McShane subject, am I alone in wondering whether there's something other than the obvious on-field performances hindering his progress into the first team?

Not alleging anything, just a thought that keeps occurring to me.

How recent is your information on Chase? This week there have been several interviews published in newspapers and on the BBC website where Chase gives the impression that he's staying at the Tigers for the time being at least. I know it could be a bluff and he (hopefully) does join us.Has GH made any comment on Chase?
It will be sad if Burrow does leave as I think he is great in that inter-change role and adds to the team's performance. If he does play hooker or leaves it must mean a new half-back. If not Chase then who?

This is one of those, friend, of a friend, of a friend things so I'd never dream of bringing this up other than in a reply when specifically asked like this...

But I've heard he's had a bit of a row with McDermott r.e. his selection policy. It's third hand information but I trust the bloke I heard it from, and apparently he trusts the bloke he heard it from too. So dunno. Said same conversation also included McShane is likely to leave if McDermott is in charge as they have conflicting views and he believes he's ready to prove his worth.

You've gotta feel for the lad a bit I guess. Some idiot picking the teams and he doesn't get his chance to impress. Dunno. It's all, if, buts and maybes at the minute isn't it.

But the answer to your question is; No, you're not alone in wondering.

I heard direct from Jimmy Lowes at a wedding reception just two weeks ago, and shared with a couple of posters on here, that there is no dissagreement with McShane at all. The coaching team think highly of him, but that they believe that at the moment, the balance of the squad is much better with Burrow as impact hooker. McShane I was told, although frustrated, understood and said he would push for that spot.

Of course I heard other things from that conversation, but will share the bit that is relevant to this post.

To me, and I know there are a lot more contributing factors to this but...

It just seems ridiculous that we've got a fully fit squad, and yet players complaining that they're playing out of position!

McDermott can't possibly think that he knows better than the many coaches that have played McGuire at 6, Burrow at 7 and Sinfield at 13. Then at some points we've had one of the world's best hookers doing stints at Loose Forward. Ablett out of position, I understand. We have no other option, and he's better at it than Delaney (worryingly!). But the Hooker/Half Back/Loose situation is just getting ridiculous.

To be honest a lot of teams have kept their original hooker on when interchanging it on occasions. I remember Higham and Clarke doing it at Wire, and Cunningham and ROby at Saints, with the other going to loose. It isn't an entirely new idea. It's also difficult to argue with how effective Burrow has been out of dummy half. If it works...

Also, re the Ablett out-of-position thing, while I think he's best in the back row, and that seems to be where he prefers to play, he isn't simply a second row turned into a centre. I definitely remember him playing a lot of his academy RL at 4, so he did grow up with the position.

So really he's a centre-come-back-row-come-centre..... Or something.

You can have what ever opinion you want on it, and for the record I agree with you. But we can not get away from the fact that the way he is operating it now with the halfbacks and impact hooker, we are seeing the best rugby we have seen this season. The team looks better.

For the record, I have never refrained from my own opinion that I believe the team would be better with Sinfield at 13, but at the same time I also think Burrow is over rated and wasn't doing a job good enough at scrum half. Since the change I think Burrow has really responded and looks far better for it.

IMO the team has had other incorrect selection decisions rather than the hooking role.