While I don't disagree with you that most teams have abandoned the ball-playing loose, it's worth pointing out that Leeds haven't done too badly out of keeping it. You could argue that the reason Leeds are such a potent attacking force (far more dangerous than Saints, it seems), is because they have four potential playmakers on the pitch at 1, 6, 7 and 13. So they have lots of options all over the park. Contrast that with Saints where we have a maximum of 2 (often rather predictable) playmakers, and Roby scooting from dummy half. I imagine teams find it much easier to defend against the predictable Saints side than against Leeds. I'd also put it to you that Saints' most successful side of the modern era had three playmakers, including two unpredictable halves and Sculthorpe at loose.

It is possible to have a big strong-forward who's also a playmaker. I think that's what people are thinking about with Voldermort. He's got the frame to be a very big lad. If he can hang some beef on his bones, and retain his passing and kicking skills, then he has potential.

Just cant see the point in 'blooding' a youngster,perservering with him only for him to leave at the end of the season,having allready made his mind up before the season starts according to the rumour posted.If he was staying,then yes play him.As for the others you mentioned,lyon,cunningham etc,well they were all regular first team players who could not be replaced by anyone better,and never once did they say before the season started they were going to Wigan at the end of it.
My reply is really to the poster who says that Gaskell has told his family hes leaving.If true,Gaskells attitude needs questioning,If the rumour is false,the poster needs questioning

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Gaskell should be playing centre. For me Wheeler should be given game time at 6 ( fitness allowing of course ).

Wheeler should have been released by now, he's a farce. He isn't a person we can rely on, so he can't ever be given a regular place in the team. It is amazing that he's still at Saints.

I think it was two games. Gaskell started at 6 and hohaia on the bench.

At what point in 2011, however, did we announce the Hohaia signing?

I seem to recall it being quite early on and there's an article on the BBC website from 12th April. Now, the first time "Lomaskell" caught our eye was the victory over Leeds on 19th March.

Given that signings don't happen over night, one would suspect that we were already well into negotiations with Hohaia at the time of this match. Therefore, it is quite possible that, even if Royce preferred Gaskell at #6 by the time of the 2012, it was his advice to the board that identified Hohaia as a potential replacement for the unsettled Eastmond and Pryce.

Signing Lance as a half back was a boner, but one that we could have (or could still) recover from well, given his utility value. However, continuing to play him as a halfback was an even bigger mistake and leaving out the only player in the squad with a proper kicking game in order to leave lance at #6 (which imo also marginalised Wilkin's forward game and devastated Lomax's scrum half game) was damn right ridiculous.

We all know that you are not a big Wheeler fan, but even you cannot doubt his ability. It is only his injury record which lets him down. Sort that out and he is our best future option at 6.

No doubt wheeler is talented player just no luck with injuries worst part is most time it's different injury

Leeds haven't played with Sinfield at loose forward for the past two years. He's started at stand off most of that time, suggesting the game has changed already whilst you were watching

He seemed to have got over most of his injury problems last year and like you I believe he should be given another go at 6; however, it seems that unless Brown has a different view, he only play the odd game at centre again as cover.
I've still not forgiven LuLu.

Saddened views are just......sad.

Would be beneficial for all involved if true. Can't see Wheels having a starting slot this year, and if Salford are prepared to give him one, it would be a good move.

I hope he does well. I think Saints have shown patience and a season at Salford could be make or break for Wheeler. Lets face it we can only go on about potential and what he looked like in the under 18's, for so long. There could be a large turn over of backs if Brown can't get results out of them this year.

Apparently likes what he's hearing and even if doesn't play 6 week in week out loving his rugby so willing to sign a new deal