So if Singleton wasn't up to it, then his development path needed to be changed?

Pretty much what has happened then?

It;'s this kind of silly rhetorick that causes nobody to take you seriously.
Nobody at the club has ever made a decision "to find a place for Burrow" at all costs.

The current coach decided to mix and match Burrow between 9 and 7 during the 2011 season. It has achieved remarkable success. In fact, it was so successful that Burrow earned a Harry Sunderland award in that role in the 2011 Grand Final.

At this stage, Liam Hood still hadn't made his 1st team debut.

Hood was slowly introduced at the start of last year and after a particularly harrowing defensive display at home to Huddersfield was sent on loan to further develop and the club decided neither were ready and brought in Lunt on loan. Hood and McShane have been given opportunities for a role. There remain question marks over both.

Meanwhile, Rob Burrow remains a game breaker and an integral part of an unheralded era of success.

As someone said, it's very obvious with most young players, whether they're going to be "stars". It was obvious with Burrow. It's not obvious at all with either McShane or Hood.

You have to acknowledge that the context for introducing players isn't constant though. Bringing in the likes of Sinfield, Burrow, McGuire, Calderwood, Mathers, Walker et al. into a pretty unsuccessful side was probably a far more straightforward decision than it would have been to parachute them en masse into a side that's won five grand finals in six years. Everyone wants to see exciting young talent emerging but there are going to be periods when for some it takes time and for others it means a move if they want to play first grade. To do it any other way would be irrational IMO.

Did Sam Tomkins only make his debut due to Tim Smith being injured

Thank you for pointing that out. You are absolutely correct. Why was that? because he was held back against all advice from around the game, and as soon as given his shot he takes it.

Held back by a coach with a reputation for not going for youngsters. That is exactly what McDermott reminds me of, straight out of the Brian Noble school of coaching.

That's a little different to how you described it above.

Not true, when Tim Smith went down injured, Sam had played as many first team games as Smith. It's a common misconception, perpetrated by the idiots on SKY TV

Quote: Tony Soprano "Did Sam Tomkins only make his debut due to Tim Smith being injured'" No. wigan.rlfans.com/fusion_pages/in ... ge_id=1509 And remember Sam missed two games because he was "invited to travel" with the England squad to France to gain experience of being around an International squad.

Quote: Tony Soprano "Did Sam Tomkins only make his debut due to Tim Smith being injured'" No. wigan.rlfans.com/fusion_pages/in ... ge_id=1509 And remember Sam missed two games because he was "invited to travel" with the England squad to France to gain experience of being around an International squad.

Thank the gods Lol

Seriously I do wish others wouldn't purport to speak on my behalf or express my interpreted wishes.

I have only suggested Jimmy Watson could be ready to step up after some recent apparent impressive and confident performances.

If it is still felt he is not ready to play FB over the next three games does he not then deserve a spot on the right wing over the present apparent Aussie incumbent? Depends who is considered better for the long term future of the club I guess and assume ????!!???

Not dropped...rotated

Ok I'll humour you. Watson deserves a promotion to the first team; Vickery is our new Smith-like-utility player, so you could utilise all three of Watkins, Watson AND Vickery in the 1/2/3 positions......AND move Ablett back into the forwards.

It could also be argued what has Vickery done to deserve selection - certainly nothing on the field.

Quote: W55ARE "I think Watson is ready, with the lack of confidence on Boxing Day I had my doubts; but we are all entitled to be nervous once in a while, and he did score a try that day. I have been watching Hunslet each week (and for those who care I have become a Rhinos/Hunslet Season Ticket holder). Watson has been smashing it. I hope the highlights come out soon against Fev and you will see the work he went through that day. 25 carries in his first game from FB and 9 tackles (one-on-one) last week. I think its a shame they haven't at least put him on the wing by now. Just 18 months ago Watson was in front of Hardaker in the pecking order for the U20s. So its all about being given a go and a bit of luck with injuries. I really do believe he can be a star in Super League if not for Leeds some other team, but he just needs game time. He will bulk up in the next year or so as its about 22 years when you start to put the timber on. But as he is in the last year of his contract and Leeds don't change their 19 around, I guess it might be some other team who will see his best years.'" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Moh-duKohug Watson makes some good cover tackles, especially one in the corner and gets a try Hood looked to move well from Hooker, try and a nice break can be seen Keinhorst makes a nice offload for a try in the corner Chisholm looks to have but on some good timber

Quote: W55ARE "I think Watson is ready, with the lack of confidence on Boxing Day I had my doubts; but we are all entitled to be nervous once in a while, and he did score a try that day. I have been watching Hunslet each week (and for those who care I have become a Rhinos/Hunslet Season Ticket holder). Watson has been smashing it. I hope the highlights come out soon against Fev and you will see the work he went through that day. 25 carries in his first game from FB and 9 tackles (one-on-one) last week. I think its a shame they haven't at least put him on the wing by now. Just 18 months ago Watson was in front of Hardaker in the pecking order for the U20s. So its all about being given a go and a bit of luck with injuries. I really do believe he can be a star in Super League if not for Leeds some other team, but he just needs game time. He will bulk up in the next year or so as its about 22 years when you start to put the timber on. But as he is in the last year of his contract and Leeds don't change their 19 around, I guess it might be some other team who will see his best years.'" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Moh-duKohug Watson makes some good cover tackles, especially one in the corner and gets a try Hood looked to move well from Hooker, try and a nice break can be seen Keinhorst makes a nice offload for a try in the corner Chisholm looks to have but on some good timber