I'm concerned about Long's goalkicking. He needs to pull his finger out because some games will be won on goals.

Long was never a top quality kicker. I'd never back him kicking off the touchline - proved that in the 2002 cup final. What are Saints back up alternatives now?

Don't worry we've got someone training in secret

Anyone done a 'gambling' joke yet?

He'll probably get 12 from 12 against us on friday then

he kicked one.

Long is not as bad a kicker as he is showing at the minute. He'll have one good game, get all his confidence back and then he will be fine. Lets hope it starts Friday.

I was just going to mention its as if sometimes he doesn't even want to kick the easy ones, then other times he can slot them over from the touchline at will.

On a completely unrelated note, what start where Huddersfield getting on the coupon today?

Foster?

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