Quote: sally cinnamon "
Bear in mind as well that for most of this lost-10-from-the-last-12-in-Super-League run that we are on, Ratchford has been playing fullback. We haven't been losing [ibecause[/i Ratchford was at fullback, but we can't turn round in a few weeks time and say why is Ratchford playing centre if only he was back at fullback we'd be beating teams.'"
I like Ratchford... But ive never liked him at FB.....He is too exposed there and i dont think the position suits his skillset.... Defensively he is massively vulnerable in that position .. if an opposition player breaks the line, they usually run past him with ease.... he also offers very little yards when returning the ball. His lack of pace means that the opposition close up on him very quickly... Deeps kicks often result in us pinned near own own line... if they can kick over his head and make him turn around, we are under the cosh... A tactic used alot against him.
Ashton on the other hand, from what little we have seen is the complete opposite... he can tackle, he cant be outpaced and run around the outside of, he is a threat when returning the ball and will cause uncertainty... having someone that can return the ball at speed and cause uncertainty in the defensive line can, as we have seen, can give impetus to an attack right at the very start of a set... which is MASSIVE.
Ashton gave us that threat... that go forward... We built momentum well on the back of the confidence his running gave the team..... Price made an error by dropping/roating/resting him.. I would be surprised to see him make that mistake again.
With everyone fit...... and with Austin, Widdop at 6 & 7.....Ratchford has to play centre, which is more suited to his game anyway than FB..... I just dont see any other feasible solution... he certainly isnt a LF.