It's nice to have these selection dilemmas isn't it? For me Lomax is still nailed on for a #1 shirt once Wello departs the stage anyway. If he bulks up a bit then Gaskell could make a good old fashioned #13, but they're a dying breed these days unfortunately and Royce clearly prefers another prop there. Noone else in the squad approaches giving us Gaskell's kicking game at the moment granted, so fitting him into the side somehere around the middle would indeed be a good move... I still can't see where though if everyone else is fit.

I'll just trust in Royce's judgement on these matters and leave it at that I think

Let's hope not, given his supposed involvement in Lomax's kicking game.

I don't want to move him to #13 at all, but we could do with his kicking game and I'm struggling to see where he's going to fit into the starting 13 next season if everyone else stays fit. He's still only a young 'un and already a strapping lad - if he puts on a few extra pounds over the next year or 2 #13 might end up as his natural position anyway.

I don't struggle seeing where we're going to fit him in because at the moment he's the first choice half back in my book.

If it aint broke, dont fix it

This ohia bloke can carry the water

Loved the way he bounced ratboy out of the way to score his try.

And it takes some doing as the runt is strong little $hit

The size point is very relevant because you can see already that although he doesn't have the pace of Lomax to go through a gap he has more than enough power to force the defender into making a strong tackle. You can see already how it's beginning to play its part because he has the passing threat too. Having the ability to both take on the line and pass to a good degree (his is better now than most other British half backs were who came through at similar ages e.g. Long) puts the defence on the back foot because they're not sure what he's going to do.

As Gaskell gets bigger and faster he's going to be a handful. You can have a big stand off if they can shift and pass. I'm certainly not comparing his skill level with these players but Lewis, Daley, Adolf and Barrett all had success in the NRL because they were also big men. Their size meant they posed more than just a play making threat.

We will get injuries at some stage of the season, the chances of having Hohaia, Wheeler, Gaskell and Lomax available all season is slim/none. I wouldn't worry about who ends up where at the moment.

One thing that made Wigan so dangerous was having 4 half backs at the club (Tomkins, Leuluai, Finch and Deacon). They usually accommodate all four in the starting line up, but having such squad depth in the most important position on the pitch is vital to any teams success. We have a good 'problem' problem next season, and as long as we have the right partnership come the business end of the season we will be in good shape.

just wish he didnt look like Voldermorts love child!!

Hhahahahahahahahahahah. I love that about him. We call him 'The Ghost'. My 5 year old started watching Saints this season and saw him and hid behind me. I asked what was up and he said, 'He's like a ghost'. Certainly ghosts through defenses.

I just wanted to say how thrilled I am about the progress of young Gaskell this season. He was thrown in at the deep end and it has really been a case of sink or swim for him. Despite a couple of little ducks underneath and gasps for air, it is definitely full steam ahead for him now !

I would add however that the attitude of a significant number of saints fans towards him has been a disgrace. There was much criticism of him on these boards in the last few months. We should be getting behind our youngsters, and accept that they will make mistakes, but they will come out the better for it. This is something where RS deserves great credit. He has shown great belief in Gaskell and the team are reaping the benefits. One thing I would always say about Gaskell, even when he was having a hard time and things were not coming off, he always kept his head up and never hid during the games. This showed to me that he had the character and determination to make it at our great club !

COYS

Well said.