I agree with you Pete, I can't see either having a long term career at Saints, either playing in lower Super League or slipping down into NL1.

Magennis is the more likely out of the 3 to push on, but still has a lot to prove himself.

Dixon worked hard last season although Ashurst got left behind. Simmons didn't play either of them until he had no senior staff left, which perhaps suggests that he isn't overly impressed with them himself. With stats like those quoted, they are poor if we are looking at competing for top honours this season. However, just now we don't have much choice but to play them. I just hope Simmons doesn't put them on the pitch at the same time!

Magennis needs to learn how to hold on to the ball. At every match so far he has dropped the ball at least once, giving away possession at vital times. But other than that he seems to be doing ok given his limited first grade experience and having to play with broken nose/recovering dislocated finger/leg hanging off/name your injury.

Magennis has more about him and has a off load game. Dixon and ashurst don't really bring anything and have nothing that sticks out.

To be fair, Dixon had a good spell last year before he got injured. Ashurst has not shown me anything to suggest he will do well at super league level.

I agree, he does seem to drop the ball a fair bit, but he's only young so personally I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt that he can improve that area of the game. I'm sure him and Royce will be saying the exact same thing and trying to put it right.

Agreed.

Given our troubles in the halves

Could Shenton play 6 for a few games a la Gleeson/Iro back in the Millward era. Armstrong would do a decent job in the centre and it would avoid the need to recall Eastmond. I know Shenton would not have the stars from that era around him but he certainy has the hands for it. The con is probably hasn't got a kicking game which makes Wilkin an easy kick charge down option.

I don't think that will happen, unless we have real trouble. Wilkin has a kicking game (sort of) and some experience in the halves so he'll have a run at 6 on Monday I'd imagine.

I was thinking Wilkin/Shenton 6/7.

I've no problem Eastmond playing so long as his attitude his spot-on and his inclusion does not affect the current morale.

Yeah I see what you're saying, with the dire situation at half back we have now. I think they'd probably bring a kid in to avoid disruption though as that seems to be Royce's ethos.

Good ethos, too IMO.

Me too, I just hope the situation doesn't go any further and somebody gets forced in who really isn't ready. At that point I hope Royce has some common sense and protects the young players.

Simmons won't have any choice but to play young players because that's the hand he has been dealt. Some may be played who aren't yet ready but unless there is a physical risk involved, where is the harm in giving a young lad some experience? Scott Moore had his debut at 16. No harm done there. If he's good enough, he's old enough. Experience comes with game time. No brainer really. Only physical issues should stop a player being played IMO if he has the ability.

Ashe
Gardner
Shenton
Meli
Foster
Wilkin
Eastmond
Graham (capt)
Roby
McCarthy-Scarsbrook
Soliola
Ashurst
Puletua

Bench

Armstrong
Dixon
Perry
Magennis