Not impressed with Howarth at all. He did some decent stuff away from the ruck, but I struggle to recall ever seeing a hooker with such slow hands. It takes him an age to clear the ruck, by which point any momentum from a quick ptb is lost! OB made a huge difference yesterday. Christ, i dare say Danny Addy has played better games at 9!

Credit to him for the kick and some of his work in open play, and he also got an assist for Philbin's try (Though it would have been hard not to see that pass given the crash line he was running - dead impressed with philbin!). But the crux of it for me is he's not quick enough and it would cost us.
If Lumb isnt fit, i'd sooner OB play 60minutes and spell Addy between 9 & 13

Didn't Smith say he was considering the hooker that Leeds have just released. It probably all comes down to where we finish in the league and what we can then afford. He probably has a list of players but can't sign any till we know what our budget is for next year.

For me yes. He's solid in defence. I bet he's one of our highest tackle busters as well. Seems to have an ability to bounce off opponents.

Gaskells one of our best players and I'm sure We'd see the best out of him now he has a proper 7 and 1 to play alongside.

I like Howarth a lot. Reads play very well.

Howarth backs up well and defends well IMO. His pass may be bit slow but it's accurate. The longer you play OB the less effective he is so you've got to spell him. Howarth had a decent game yesterday and I would expect him to keep his place. OB is better coming on when forwards start to tire and he can make ground.

Can't fault Smithy's logic on that one.

Who would have guessed it, a coach who looks at what is the best way to utilise a player rather than thinking back to what [ihe[/i would have wanted when [ihe[/i was a player..