Featherstone Rovers have had the best defensive record in the championship over the last two years. I would therefore suggest we should sign both their defensive coach Ryan Sheridan, who incidentally Barry Mcdermott rates very highly, and their fullback Ian Hardman, in my opinion the best tackler in that league . Play Kearney at stand-off, as someone previosly suggested, and use Sammut as an impact player off the bench.

Just a further thought. If Paul Cooke has got his mendset back to normal he might be worth a trial on a match to match basis. Not a bad loose forward a few years back.

The thing is, would defensive tactics employed in the championship be as effective in SL?

I'm not knocking your suggestion, in fact I think it's a good idea to get in a defensive coach. I just think we should perhaps aim higher for backroom staff recruitment.

Is that the same Ian Hardman that used to play for Saints? Name rings a bell.

yes. not good enough for SL, imo.

I still don't understand why a full back should be our best defender

However, it would be nice to have a fullback who you had confidence in tackling his man when the defensive line gets broken. At the moment in BK we have a fullback who is rarely even in a position to make that tackle when the defensive line is broken, never mind actually complete the tackle.

He should be a strong defender, not neccesarily the best though. Shouldn't be shocking like BK though.

Hardman was found to be not good enough for SL having had plenty of chances at Saints and Hull KR

So you don't rate BK? You kept that quiet..

your best defender should defend a lot. a good fullback shouldnt defend a lot

I was going to comment but I've decided not to bother.

No mate, i thought i'd made that clear.