I think folk need to temper their expectations of Shad Royston somewhat. I'm not doing the lad down because I think he has the potential to be a solid Super League player for us but he isn't the unqualified success many have started to claim he is.

Shad struggled badly throughout the first half of the season and it was clear he couldn't quite get his head round nuts and bolts stuff like calls, timing and positioning. In defence too he was caught out and targeted by the opposition and that becomes abundantly clear on re-examination of some of our games. The player himself admitted he found it extremely hard to adapt to first grade.

However, to give him credit, Shad has obviously taken on board feedback from the coaches and is improving week by week. He isn't the finished article, far from it, and there's a tendency to let that stunning try against Quins cloud our view a little. His form properly started picking up with a quality performance in that cup game against Wigan and hasn't dipped since. But the challenge now is maintaining these standards because he can't afford to have one good game in three or four like he was doing during the first half of the season.

I'm really pleased with how he's gone generally and reckon he probably represents great value for money. But a lot of improvements still need to be made and he's a long way from keeping Kearney out of the side if Potter decided BK was better used at full back rather than stand-off.

cant say I remember him struggling particularly. thing to remember early season was he was either swapping between standoff and FB to accomodate kearney or playing in which isnt his strongest position, and also playing in a team which was struggling in general.

Yup. Spot on for mine.

wouldnt argue with that adey. kearney is a step up in class (cant understand why some people are on such a downer on him at moment), royston is good value as backup.

Shad has been a shining light in a sea of mediocrity. Great attitude, big heart and lots of application. Not too shabby pace wise either. Not BK, but few are. Overall, good on him

rlhttp://www.bradfordbulls.co.uk/Media/pdf/FLINEPOM.pdfrl

Just making it more difficult to drop the guy. I like BK but I also think you shouldn't drop people when they are playing well. Interesting team selection for the weekend!