The good thing about Laithwaites is he started with the Wire as a town team 11 year old and played for the town at every age group possible through to 1st grade. Added to that he's a Warrington lad who played all his junior rugby at Crosfields he's not an out of Towner, he stuck with Wire and it's already paying off, already a GB u19 mom winner against the Aussie. He's still learning but I'm sure will represent England at full international level in the near future.

James Laithwaite is going about his business quietly and I hope it stays that way because he has been superb in defence this season. He's a hard runner who probably does lack a little in attack at present but this will come with maturity and experience of playing games at SL level.

Tony Smith has recognised his talents and he is clearly a starter now in the second row, so fair play to him and his hard work has paid off so far.

If he keeps going, he can be a future England player no danger

I am very happy with James Laithwaite's contribution at the moment. Every side needs a back row who is a tackling machine and a workhorse. We've got him.

Look at the flip side, Westerman, great in attack, turnstile in defence.
I know what i prefer.

As a kid watching the game in the eighties, I never quite understood why Sanderson got the plaudits. That was of course before I realised defence wins games. The hoover was a great nickname, nothing got past him, and he was 100% consistent. If Laithwaite continues in that ilk, I don't give a flying fart as to his offensive game (not that it's shabby anyway) - he'll go from strength to strength. Totally businesslike and professional, nothing showy, but could be the backbone of our pack for years. And a born Wire too. What's not to love?