TBF Tupou wasn't great either. Now we have Sheriffe outside him who's not a good defender either.

That right side has been shaky for a while and now it seems every team we play knows it.

I disagree on Tupou when he played out side Evans who was a good defender he was a totally different player. IMO any winger who plays outside Sykes is left with a tough call to make do they stay out or come in.

I guess we'll have to disagree on Tame. He never really convinced me wherever we played him. However I do agree it's easier to defend when the man on your inside knows what he's doing.

Swap sykes for evans.

so 2 very leaky defences go head to head this weekend but who'll come out on top?????

I've also heard Sykes will be with us next year, but no mention of the length of deal....



unlikely it seems.

I'll be disappointed if we're going again with Sykes and Sheriffe after the complete disaster they have been this year so far. Isn't Evans up for grabs again?

Ok, we won't win SL with Evans/Nero as our centre's but we might just win a few more of these tight games with some stronger defenders out wide.

God not Evans. We need strike, not mediocrity.

Crookes isn't the best defender either. It's a problem he's had during all of his academy time. If he worked with a defensive minded coach it's a problem which could be fixed.

Thats why I'd pin my hopes on Crookes rather than Sykes for a longer term solution at . He's young enough to improve, I don't think Sykes has too much more room for improvement in his defence. But I'd like to think good coaching could mitigate his flaws and focus the attention elsewhere.

Evans was one of the most consistent and reliable players we had last year. Unfortunately we have now become the definition of mediocrity, which is apparently required when you're building for the future, and therefore it is extremely unlikely that we'll get a decent halfback, hooker and centre. If Evans were available I'd welcome him back, I still have fond memories of his last minute try in the centenary game against Leeds.

That is true, but he still doesnt provide the strike we need

Evans was just another dull signing like most of Steve McNamaras others. Signings of this type are fine for back up, not when you're serious about mounting a title challenge though.

Well like I say, he's not international class but he was a good performer during his time here. I'd settle for a Mr Consistent like Evans right now.

IMO if Sykes was working with a strong defensive coach a lot of the problem he has would have been fixed. But unfortunatly our current coaching team seem to be unable to fix the problem. That's why I don't hold out any hope of them helping Crookes.