Last year I would have agreed he seemed more a second rower battering ram and tackler. The ball can die with him a bit as he does not seem to have that head up approach of some centre's where he see's what's infront of him.

Maybe that is down to being bigger than his peers so it's not something he ever needed to worry about. But he can bust a tackle or several and once he does get his head up, he can find a man.

I don't recall Scott Gibbs having an illusive running style either. But he provided a bit of an alternate style of play.

Jones has been a good defensive centre too and lets face it over the years we have played second rowers in the centres just to cover for less defensive minded centres. Gilmore and Flannery spring to mind. To me Jones is more of a centre than those two attacking wise. Probably less of a second rower than those two.

But he works for the shirt which ever it is and with Turner out for 2 months, basically not only is he a decent choice, he is our only choice. Percival needs a good run too, or he could end up going down the sick note line of Wheeler. Quality but lacking proof of that quality if they can't stay injury free.

Jones could do either to a good degree. We could bulk him up and he'd be one of the best back rowers we've got. Or keep him leaner and play him in the centres. His ball handling skills aren't the issue, it's his choice of pass. He genuinely doesn't know when to pass the ball. There are times when he'll be put through a gap or make one himself and he'll hold onto it too long or pass it way too early. If he sorts that out we're onto a winner.

I certainly think we should have him at centre for all the big games to give us that extra bit of defensive solidity. Drop Turner for those so he's not doing his usual and waving the planes in to land.

A genuine first here....


+1.

Can't disagree with a word of that. I'm going for a lye down.

I'm slowly winning over the population!

And, +2 saddened

agree very much with what you say - I think him having a long term winger (swift!) to develop an understanding with will really help with his pass selection and they could go a long way!

Also, when was the last time a 20 year old had played 70 games?

Probably James Graham?

First Meli, then Eastmond and now Turner.

Hmmm

What is the common factor?

All had no interest or heart.

I'd bite your hand off to have Meli back in the centre for us.

I have to say, I've not missed Meli.

I thought I would, but as a winger his day was gone.

As a winger, capable but flawed. As a centre, amongst the best in the league.

....
....
imo.

I agree as a centre he had a new lease of life. I did mean from the wing.

I have no idea. What's the answer?