i have never seen the competition for places in the saints starting line up be so strong, is there only Roby and lomax who you would say is certain to start every time? obviously with all the younger players pushing for a start it will benifit the whole team - the likes of meli and gardner need to raise their game to stay in the team where as i don't feel they had that sort of pressure on them 2-3 years ago. was impressed with wheeler last night, particulary in the 1st half.

This option crossed my mind after the games played so far. I don,t think Royce really knows how to structure the back line.
Lomax, Gaskell and Lance are too similar with the exception of Gaskells kicking game.
3 seasons ago Wheeler was destined to be our No 6 and over that period due to his and the teams injuries has been played out of position.
What I have noticed is Lomax looking a bit lost in his role play, especially when Lance and Gaskell are trying to run the plays as well.
Royce needs to sort the situation out quickly before the big close games come up.

I've been saying for some time now that Lomax's game seems better suited to the ruck area than controlling the play at seven. People talk about Roby being dangerous when opposition forwards are tiring and Saints have a roll on but Lomax is a leaden-footed prop's worst nightmare. The kid can step off either foot with seemingly little effort and no telegraph. He's one of the fittest players at the club and his tackling technique is excellent. Throw into the mix a first class skill set, a keen eye for a break as well as boundless enthusiasm and you've got the makings of a lethal rake.

I was really encouraged by the chip from Lomax on Friday night which was regathered by Gaskell who passed on that lob to Meli to score (great try, that). I've been hoping to see that kind of play from Lomax and so it was a treat when it finally happened.

I think Lomax would be more suited to either hooker or full back. I think some of you are judging Wheeler wrong yes he is a runner and loves to take the line on but he also has an unbelievable rugby brain for his age. Gaskell has done well filling in but he's not even in the same league as Wheeler. I've been told we have another promising stand off in the academy though that has the potential to be world class? The future looks bright no matter where they play.

Agree, I think because Wheeler has been injured so long, people have forgotten how good he is, the Wigan game at DW proved that in that he was Wigoons Worse Nightmare until he was taken out of the game.