Quote: Duckman "I really hope people are not seriously directly comparing Hargreaves with Fielden! And I suspect not many bradford fans are. As a player Fielden is better obviously. But he is therefore on proportionaly more of the available salary cap than hargreaves, I confidently suspect, so as a signing relative to his likely % of the cap and potential and usefulness to the squad....its a good signing.
We needed more options in the front row as we are light there for next year because as Exeter Rhino points out we have seemed light in the front row for a while. I would always go into a game with 4 specalist props, not 2 plus a youngster and a 2nd row who can play prop as we have done a lot over the last few seasons. To play 4 each week you need at least 6 front line props in the 25 man squad IMHO, a couple of whom can be promising youngsters, but all should be dedicated props, then use other forwards who can fill in when needed through injury such as Hall/Langley.
So. Lynch, Scruton, Koppy, Hargreaves, Sculthorpe, Crossley(?) would be an improvement on this year, especially if used in groups of 4. If sculthorpe can't play or leaves then we might need another prop unless/until we think one of the burgesses is ready to step into the "6th prop" squad spot....at least, thats how I'd do it.'"
Agree with all of that.
I've said the same about the comparison. No doubt Fielden is a better player than Hargreaves. But he would also cost more money and only had a limited amount of years left in the game. Hargreaves as a cheaper, longer term signing makes more sense.
I hope Sculthorpe does come back for next year. The idea of having Lynch, Scrutes, Scully, Koppy & Hargreaves all in the squad represents a much better option than this year imo. When all fit, it means you start 2, you have 2 on the bench, and you rest one. No need to burn out Lynch & Scrutes like has happened this year as they can be rested occasionally. Even if long term injuries kick in to stop that happening, you still have at least 3 or 4 established props to use alongside the likes of George Burgess and Crossley (if retained).
This year, we've lacked something in the front row due to a complete lack of option. Not helped by the Sculthorpe situation, but one injury shouldn't mean you have to burn out two players.