This is a good thread, well, the stuff about Hall is. Can we keep it on topic now please.

Agree with all the comments re: Hall. Cut the figure of a man who was definitely being played out of position and didn't seem to be enjoying it at all.

You don't get in a Premiership winning side and be rubbish.

You certainly don't, and I've said before and will no doubt say again that I am glad Hall is staying, as he owes us a big season. I'd hate for him to be another one that avoidably leaves and then rips it up elsewhere, like Morrison, Pryce, Peacock [iet al[/i.

I also sometimes wonder whether his critics ever watch the NRL, i.e. ever watched him actually play. If you did, then you will have seen what he is capable of - in the NRL, to boot. It doesn't seem logical that only a few months after being part of an NRL GF rout of Melbourne Storm, Hall would suddenly lose his ability to play the game, for which reason I reckon there is every chance of a fine season out of him next time round.

Not necessarily defending Hall but sometimes it takes these antipodeans the best part of a season to settle in. Look at King, Vainikolo etc... Maybe there is more to come from him, given his pedigree.

Dont hold your breath expecting Hall to come good. It wont happen, even when the pitches get dry.

Is there the teeniest chance he may prove you wrong the way Platt did (as you honourably and readily acknowledged)?

I would hope he does.. Especially as a quota player but i won't hold my breathe. Just be glad to offload him and free the quota place. Will he even be first choice next year? Plenty of second rowers if that is the position we are told he is better in.

I wouldnt have thought so, Adey. Cant see where he has the potential to improve.

Re: Hall.
As I've said a few times, can you really judge a players performance based on THIS season? Seriously? Coming into an underperfoming team in a new country?

We were in 4th place until her shaved his demon 'tache off. Talk about Samson and Delilah. And let's also not forget that he didn't have the best prep for the season and there was sone doubtt as to whether he'd actually come over at all...

One thing I hope that Potter encourages is the backing up of the player with the ball. If so, I reckon Hall will come into his own taking the tackle and getting the ball away. OK... maybe he's not a Solamona but I think if he stays he could have a good season next year. We seemed to be doing that early in the season and players like Langers were on fire busting through in support.

I blame losing the tache too. It's the Kings of Leon syndrome.

Yes... Of course you bloody can. A season is a long enough time to judge any player. Some players get better, but just as many don't.

Wasn't the major reason, that we were in for L'Estrange and Hall is his best mate and was recommended by him. When asked Beaver backed up his credentials, McNamara thought he might be on to a winner bringing in a number of players from a champion team, less time needed to blend in etc and bob's yer uncle. TBH he's a steady back rower who might yet do ok, but I agree he hardly justifies a quota place, although that piece of Wigan beating magic he conjured up with Heath does allow him some leeway for me.