maybe herbert wanted too much money, who knows. there doesnt seem to much balance in the group of half backs we have at the minute.

worrying for me is that the 3 hbs we have signed have all come from the 3 bottom teams, and none of them really stood out too much, with 2 of them not even automatic starters. Now i rate potter, but that is not too glowing an example of the quality of player we have brought in

How much has everyone seen of Gale and Sammut? There seem to be a lot of posts saying that Herbert is better or worse than the 2 new guys. I watch as much Superleague as is possible but I really haven't seen anywhere near enough of Gale or Sammut on a regular basis to form such judgements at this stage.

I think the criticism of Herbert is unfair and the blame for his under achievements this year should rest firmly at the feet of the people who signed him. I think its pretty clear that he was signed as an organisational scrum half. Having watched Herbert all season with the rest of you guys I think Herbert is a stand off who has been asked to carry out a role which he isn't up to. You can't doubt the effort he's put in but he's been up against it from the start. He would have thrived at the side of a class scrum half. Herbert is certainly not a bad player but has been a bad signing. Who's faults that?

Can't help but wonder if the decision to move Herbert on, was taken before his perceived upturn in form?

More than likley, but form is tempory and the thing that lasts forever herbert sadly lacks.

Who is this Conner fella?????

Connor Murphy. Bulls reporter for Telegraph & Argus.

Tweets some quit useful info: @MurphyonBulls

One of his latest tweets suggests Herbert may be on his way to you guys!

Contractual situation with the other halves (i.e they aren't OOC and Herbert is) and the quota spot count against him far more than any comparison in capability. Earlier contract decisions are limiting Potters options.

What is an 'organising' scrum half?

If a half back does not have pace and the ability to break the line they need a good long and short passing game. Herbert's short passing is very good - his take of the offload from Lynch and quick feed to BJ against Giants for our 1st try was a good example and in fairness we've seen plenty of these short, crisp try creating passes. His long passing is very poor although against the Giants it improved markedly, perhaps a result of the dominant pack. However far too often , in games where we needed a spark because the forwards were struggling, Marc has come up with the odd sharp, short pass, rather than an all round performance. People point to his try assists but the number of tries scored by the backs overall is not acceptable. Yes, the forwards have been poor but at times he has moved in treacle and passed it slower, if at all.

His kicking has improved from the first few games when I think he still had the hamstring problem and in a truly team he showed guts in defence and having bagged him on here and I wish the kid all the best. Nothing would please me more than for him to go tear Wire a new one and have us all lamenting his leaving. Right now I'm not sad as I think his 'organising' abilities have been overstated.

Perhaps we are following Leeds and having a half in loose forward.

So perhaps Briggs and Jefferies halves with Sammut at loose,
Southernwood out on loan / back up / future.

Or maybe Jefferies and Sammut halves and Royston at loose,
Southernwood and Briggs out on loan / back up / future.

I would agree with that. I've liked watching Herbert recently but have never been that impressed with his speed.

As for your original question, I would suggest a Matt Orford type of player.

What is an 'organising' scrum half?

In my view its an onfield general. Someone who can grab the game by the scruff of the neck, dictate play and wants to call the shots. Constantly wants the ball to guide the team around the park. Creative player with a good passing and kicking game.

Matt Orford, Paul Deacon, Lee Briers, Andrew Johns, Stacey Jones, Andy Gregory, Deryck Fox, Bobby Goulding, etc.. Could name a hundred more. For me, all organising half backs. I don't believe Herbert fits into this bracket. He doesn't lead the team out there. A lot of clubs, like Saints can get away with not having one but they have quality, creative players all over the side. We can't get away with it at the moment. We constantly look lost for ideas and lack the onfield leader at times.

Michael Dobson at KR is another example. He transformed the side when he was signed. Of the current players at the crusaders, Michael Witt would fit the bill for me.

agree with all that

Pretty much sums it up for me too.

Agree with above, as good as Sammut can be at off the cuff play and unpredictability, I'd happily take Witt over him - I'd actually take Witt over any of our halves we have now or for next year.