It's true to say that Long has never been a reliably accurate kicker. That said, he has the curious knack of being able to slot them when it really matters i.e. big games.

Mugwump - you are right .He's never been the best but he's won us finals's with his kicking whether it be on the deck or out of hand .

It makes me smile when people criticise him as he's been consistently the best half back in our game over the last 10 year's. That may say something about our game but the above statement is true.

True. Long is wide open to criticism, but his influence over that period is undeniable. I've lost count of the number of times he's been written off and then returned with a big game at crunch time.

He's also a genuine character. Love him or loathe him, the game would be poorer without him.

Long was an excellent goal kicker I think he kicked his 1000th goal this afternoon. These days he,s very mediocre but he does have a knack of kicking goals when it really matters in big games.
I think you have got to give him some slack after all he has to recover from a knee reconstruction, ankle breaks and numerous torn muscles.
Can,t think of any half back in present superleague who has achieved more points accrual than Longy.

We are just giving teams a chance. Would be unfair if he landed all his goals as no team would be able to touch us then

The one he missed in the GF (although from the touchline) last year in the GF was quite crucial. It meant when Danny McGuire scored his second try, Leeds had an 8 point cushion.

I don't think it would have made much difference to be quite honest. Saints just didn't get going that night and Leeds played well.

What would Longs total points be? Deacon will be on a fair wack, achieved 2,000 goals for bradford during the 2007 season.

I don,t think it was 2000 goals for Deacon it was 2000 points, he has scored about 2500 points with Longy on about the same.
So if people are saying that Longy is not a good goalkicker does that mean Deacon isn.t either.

I've always thought Long was more likely to bang one over from the line than from in front of the sticks.

Certainly when it is a key kick anyway.

Long also provides the added advantage of a quality scrum half by scoring and making a decent share of tries.

Who cares?

i really noticed his poor goalkicking towards the end of last season...could he have some kind of 'yips' problem?