Further looking at the stats on the superleague website shows that crabtree misses less tackles than any other forward. He is definitely in the team for defence.

Huddersfield fan by any chance??

Crabtree has the potential to be great...he just isn't nasty enough in the tackle...far too easily hits the floor when he meets contact. I'm sorry if you don't like that opinion...but hey, deal with it!

I certainly don't think just because he's a Hudderfield player that he isn't good enough. For the past few years all we've done is select Leeds and Saints players...and oh..failed! I'm glad we've given players from outside the top 2 teams a chance...I'd suggest there are plenty more better than we've chosen this time...Louis McS. has proven himself everytime he's played for England but is overlooked for Graham (who plays well with good players round him) and I also have no idea how Shenton is in the starting position..but hey..everyone is entitled to their opinion...

But back to my point...Crabtree hasn't met his potential. I really hope he steps up another 2 gears on Saturday...cos we need him to play like the animal his size has the ability to be.

Often size that big doesn't translate to a great foward where a low centre of gravity can often do you good.
Give him another couple of years until he's about 27 and he has the potential to be an england quality player, im not sure he has it yet though.
Still, he's improved year on year imo