The stuff about 'backing himself' and 'taking on his opponent' is something that really riles me (no pun intended).

You only take on your opponent on the outside if you have a 40% or better chance of beating him. Otherwise you turn into Ryan Atkins of 2011 vintage and get pushed into touch 20 times in the season.

Riley's never had a problem taking on his opponent in to the corner. In fact, he's scored some terrific tries where he's crept into tiny spaces where the odds were stacked against him. Against Hull in the cup, he took the gamble near the end and was inches away from delivering.

You judge a player on what they do, not on which players they are not. If every team had two Joel Monaghans or Pat Richards then the game would be extremely dull.

The only time when Riley winds me up is when he over-runs his centre, because that's one thing he could iron out of his game with a bit more concentration.

Whilst I don't think that he is immune from criticism because he's local, presumably cheap on the cap and ginger, do you think that a lack of a consistent centre partnership or even a centre with form next to him is exacerbating the situation?

Riley is not without fault, but, does he know what he's playing with week in and week out? Atkins' form wasn't great before the injury and for me Grix was equally at fault with Riley for the Bridge kick try in the CC semi. Grix dropped the odd one at Cas the other week, one right in front of the try line in an error strewn game and as for Waterhouse's contibution this season, he looks like he doesn't want to be here to me.
This and having to clear up as a back three with Hodgson, or is it Ratchford at FB and I think teams are targeting our style as much as our personnel. Whoever said on another thread, it might have been you, that Hull cracked it (twice which is galling) and other coaches are using the same kicking game plan is spot on.

It is a team game, by all means have a moan about individuals that aren't performing in your opinion, I've just had a say. Unfortunately, in my opinion there are one or two others that need a coat of looking at and I think that there is a link and you know this. BTW I've not been this cheesed off for some time AGHHHH!!!

Stop posting common sense, deckchair.
It has no place on this board

Quite frankly, I'm baffled with a lot of these new contracts

Briers. Offered and accepted a new contract
Morley. Offered but refused a new contract.

Yes, I know these two are considered legends of the club, BUT WE DON'T OWE THEM A LIVING. They have both pulled us from despair, many times, but they are now a shadow of their former selves from 18 months ago, and, guess what, both currently injured.

Likewise MonaghanM. 2 years ago, he's mentioned in despatches for Man Of Steel. This year, more like Man of Blancmange.

The form of the above 3 this year is nowhere near the standards we (or they) require. Hard, but fair.

Riley. His form this term has warranted a place in the reserves, never mind a contract extension. A good job for him, that he only realistically has a certain Welshman vying for his place (calm down, Yed).

The club shows far too much sentiment, and not enough ruthlessness.
It pains me to say it, but we can learn a lot from a certain whisky conked, recently retired, football manager. He knew the right time to say "thanks for all your efforts, but bye bye"

I'd presume they looked at all the options for replacements for Briers/Monas and decided that the best option was to renew. The people who make these decisions aren't stupid.

So there isn't a very good/excellent stand off or hooker available in world RL.

We should have replaced them both. Ruthless, yes. Sensible, ABSOLUTELY