Sykes was 1st choice kicker at London wasn't he? He should be given a shot at it.

Yep. After Hull KR pre-season I was optimistic about his goal-kicking, but two bad attempts (under pressure & on the touchline) seemed to be enough to give Orford a go.

As I said on another thread....

Where are we having this conversation??




Why don't we keep it on the goal kicking thread?

Stats available for last few seasons rlHERErl.

The goals and missed goals are anyway. Not hard to work the percentage out from that though!

Sykes league stats at London/Quins:

2007 = 37 from 59 (63%)
2006 = 9 from 11 (82%)
2005 = 106 from 139 (76%)
2004 = 63 from 91 (69%)


That gives him, over 4 seasons, a ratio of 215 from 300 = 72%
Which is pretty much what Ox has got for us this year.

I don't think its a good thing to keep swapping around.

To me it would be better if MacNamara took Sykes one side and told him that he was the No1 kicker and to get some practice under his bet. I think if Sykes really believed that he was the man, then he'd rise to the challenge - I remember him being very good for Quins a few years ago.

Orford has enough responsibility without being saddled with kicking, and Donaldson isn't yet at the point of being a regular.

That makes sense. So therefore very unlikely.

I would think it unbelievable that Sykes does not practice regularly. Even an amateur team would not gamble on their first choice staying fit/consistent all season. 72% is not too far short of the likes of Sinfield.

And Sinfield, as we all know, is God.

Gods are not out injured, miss 22% of their kicks or make dumb penalty choices in GFs. A mere demigod.

Orford hasn't got the strength of kick needed to be regular goalkicker. I think Sykes should be it untill one of the younger lads steps up to the mark. Orford to be 2nd kicker even let him do the easy ones in front of the posts, but we need a backup for these two as well!

But they do do part time courses at Leeds Met.

Naturally, only real gods come to the Russell Group.