You would bet wrong.
The first time I saw Gaskell play it was at 7 and I commented on here that he looked very good.
He was quite small and slim then, and I think I compared him to a young Sam Tomkins.

However he appears to be one of those kids that has had a late growth spurt, and he certainly shot up.

Since then I have seen him play at 1, 3, 6 and 7. He is a very talented young player no doubt.

Well he's not yet. Only turned 31 this week so he was probably 30 last time you checked!

shame your forwards are old crocks though

Physiques change to meet changing requirements. If , forty years ago you'd have asked someone like Murphy whether the sizes and shapes of today's players are feasible he'd have probably said no. Back then it was common to field props which weren't as heavy as some of this era's wingers.

In Murphy's day there was far greater emphasis put on clever play around the scrum and ruck which meant being small was an asset. Today those rules no longer exist and there is nothing to prevent a taller, more muscular player prospering at seven.

The reason you don't see bigger players holding down a seven shirt (and doing well) is because they never get an extended run there.

What about Alfie Langer when he came to us?

Was still an international & SOO player.

He was still of pensionable age and they hadn't increased their cap as they are about to do.

true,they get played elsewhere,not much point having a 6' + scrum half when he could be in the centres,making way for a smaller kid who can play at 7 because that posotion doesn't require you to be tall,and theres nowhere else for you to play 'cause youre not big enough son'

Valid point, but just because players are over 30 does not mean they arnt capable of playing to the highest of standards set at St. Helens.

IMHO Prince would be the idea player for you. Inevitably when Pryce leaves at the end of the season it means you can have a young enthusiastic player in Gaskell/Wheeler/Lomax & an experienced class player in Prince. It also means that Prince could pass of his trade secrets to up & coming youth.

i'd give Jonny Lomax a go there whenever eastmond is unavailable.

In an ideal situation id like us to try Lomax, Gaskell and Wheeler at 7 for a run of say 3 games each, but thats a big ask in the pressures of superleague

What's the chances of that happening?

Lets face it, we can rule out Wheeler. He's not got the heart for professional rugby and he's no good either. Lomax looks half decent but he's no scrum half, leave him at centre until we sign a proper one.

him getting the chance or staying fit for 3 games running? not great for either i'm afraid, still i hope both happens!

From what I hear the is a centre going for free from pie land