www.sthelensstar.co.uk/sport/sai ... rum_half_/ He's making the right noises for the most part and confirms we are looking hard for a 7. Some good stuff on the young lads too although from what I've seen of him I dont think Nathan Ashe will be the answer at 7

www.sthelensstar.co.uk/sport/sai ... rum_half_/ He's making the right noises for the most part and confirms we are looking hard for a 7. Some good stuff on the young lads too although from what I've seen of him I dont think Nathan Ashe will be the answer at 7

That's fair enough. He doesn't say an awful lot, but its sensible.

One thing - he mentions that if, say, Ashe were to make the scrum half spot his own, Wilkin could mave back to his normal position. Does anyone here want him back int he (first choice) pack? If they want to shoe horn both him and Wello in there, we're going to be giving up an awful lot of muscle up front.

I'd certainly want him back in there. I think Wilkin is a proper loose-forward with an ability to pass the ball as well as run it (he's quite fast for a forward) - similar in style to O'Loughlin. But he needs to be out wide running at gaps and with a centre outside him putting the defenders in two minds. However under the last couple of coaches, this sort of passing game has been discouraged in favour of percentage biff-bash play, and he's not really big enough to be an out-and-out second-rower, so it's hurt his effectiveness. He's also a tackling machine, and best used defensively as third man in to help out the three-quarters.

I think Wilkin would be my first choice of loose-forward every time. There isn't another back-row on the squad who has his skill with ball in hand plus his work-rate. Manu can use his hands, but can also be a complete liability who will lose us possession several times a game and won't make the tackles Wilkin does. The rest are just Clough look-a-likes : too small to be props, but play exactly like props.

I can't believe people are shocked to see that the club are actively trying to adress the issues that we all have discussed on here. Of course they are. If it takes an interview like this to satisfy some, then fair enough.

In terms of moving Wilkin: Ashe didn't particularly impress me on Saturday, so I'm a bit unsure to move Wilkin.

If Ashe doesn't show up tomorrow night, then I wouldn't consider him to be our #7. I think he looks good, but not as a first receiver; I think he would be good alongside Wilkin at #6.

Recent history tells us that the club have always tried to address issues, but they have done so poorly. The fact that Royce or Potter are not identifying targets should put you immediately at rest.

As I say if you feel better for knowing they have a plan, then super! But I don't think that was ever in doubt.

I agree.

And I'd play hohaia as his halfback partner.

Same again, lance isn't good enough but he's the best we've got at the moment.

1) lomax

6) Lance

7) wilkin

9) roby

That would be my spine until something better in the halves pops up.

Bit of advice, Nathan... rather than under rocks & stones, try the NRL

I'm happy with Lance at #6 as long as Wilkin is at #7. The Warrington game showed what he can do with chipping in when he can. Think that's the best we will get out of him.

The problems begin when we have to go to Lance to make things happen.

Based on the squad we have for this year I'd agree. If we can get Roby and Lomax fit and firing they might even be able to make Lance look half decent.

That's because lance isn't a halfback and won't make one as long as he lives. If he has a player with him that can lead and direct is, he's ok popping up in dangerous areas as he feels.

The halfback situation is a complete mess really and brown should not have been left in this situation by previous coaches and McManus.

He's dead right, this has to be the right player, we can't panic buy (like hohaia) or we will have another two years of this rubbish, boring rugby.

I agree with this.

Lomax and Roby are no brainers.

Lance could be quite dangerous if told just to run and attack without worrying about creating and organising.

Wilkin, whilst he's never a scrum half, is the best option we have at 7 at the moment and will do a better job than anyone else directing us round the park.