Meant his first at 7. I remember that Wakefield game though. Flanno supposedly walking round the hospital in his kit for the birth of his child at half-time, and Gary Wheeler sidestepping a couple for a try.

It's decent going though that despite the number of injuries we have, the side that will most likely be put out is still relatively decent. Huge opportunity for a few young players. I suppose that was the benefit of last season to an extent. A couple of experienced guys are still touch and go but without the injuries suffered last year many of them wouldn't have had a chance. At least now they have a decent understanding of what is expected of them and hopefully we'll have another step up and take his opportunity come Friday in a key role.

Club deserve credit in my opinion.

Very true. I personally think he's lucky to still be with us. He's had too many below average games for a long time now and can't see what he actually brings to the team anymore.
He let down both the fans and the club with this and should have been more professional when it's a bit of backs-to-the-wall time regarding injuries and suspensions.

Absolutely. The club have had a long term performance plan in place over the past couple of years and we're starting to see the benefits of that coming through now with the experience and quality in depth of our squad. Not only that but we have a very good core of talented, young, British players you can build a team around:

Lomax, Makinson, Turner, Jones, Swift, Wheeler (If he can stay fit), Percival, Amor, Walmsley, LMS, Beaumont, Richards, Thompson, Savelio, Greenwood, Walker etc...

I think Jon Wilkin is a decent player personally, but I've come to believe that a lot it depends on the players around him. What you'll get off him though is 100% commitment to the cause and he'll make as many tackles and carries as anyone else. When the likes of Amor and Walmsley are taking the side forward he's an asset in my opinion. He has a decent pair of hands down the left and offers another kicking option if needed. He supports well and I'm lead to believe that his communication skills are decent as well, as you would expect from a senior player.

When the pack are under pressure, that's when I often wonder about him but no-one can deny that he's started the season well. Disappointing that he's out but you could see what was going to happen at the time.

Wilkin had a good game vs Leeds about 10yrs ago and has been living off it ever since.
Yes he's 100% commited to the wage he's been stealing.
There seems to be too much sentiment with the club at the mo.
Get rid of Wilkin and Wellens for a start.

very harsh, he's not Scully but he's a decent player

Wilkin is the sort of player you need in a salary cap sport. As is Hohaia.

Whether either are worth the coin? Debatable, but they're certainly handy to have around.

Considering Wilkin's experience, to get wound up by McShane like he did was worrying.

I'd say Lance is exactly the sort of player you dont want in a salary capped sport, ok in several positions, but not great in any. On a huge wedge and taking up a quota spot too

Just seen the Wilkin incident on Boots n All, looks nasty definitely deserved the ban. If Saints appeal I can't see it being over turned.

As I say, debatable when you factor in their wages.

They said today in a somewhat strange tweet that the club has decided against appealing the ban.

I saw Wilkin's hit too and I'd agree that it definitely deserved a ban.

I think you must watch a different Jon Wilkin every week to me. Like has been mentioned he is no Scully but he got us around the park last year when the management and coaching staff made the poor decision to start the season without proper halfbacks. When he's not playing in the halves he runs hard, tackles like demon and offers himself up as a 3rd pivot. His in play kicking game off his left peg is pretty good too.

Wellens is a different kettle of fish , he doesnt really have a position anymore and is well past his best

That tweet was utterly bizarre. Unless it's just that the guy doing it doesn't have a great understanding of written English, it was very strange.

I do not believe this; we have got sados son on the board now