Perhaps the answer lies in what Price did with him when he wasn't in his first choice half back pairing earlier this season.

This is where my comments about his hands come from, the step would have had a bit more longevity if he was able to put doubt in the defence by giving a better (non drop off) pass to bmm, or out to charnley.

You had Briers going down that channel, is he gonna pass to 2nd row, centre or winger, go himself or kick it?


Austin? Step or 50% success rate drop off to bmm or hughes(which does nothing)

Totally agree, that's why Widdop has been so effective this year. Defenders can't commit to defending one specific aspect of his game as he has all the tools. And he has the speed of thought to see where the biggest weakness in the line is.

It's not that Austin is a terrible passer or kicker but he's overwhelmingly less likely to hurt you with those than he is with his step.

I don't think Charnley will miss Austin's passing game, put it that way.

I chose to not stress that point, but everyone on here and elsewhere knows how much flak charnley has copped for ages about not scoring, "we should get rid of him"

It is dreadfully apparent its not his fault.

Veering slightly off topic. Charnley looked in real trouble in the last game holding his wrist. Any injury news on this ?

I noticed he's caught a bit of a whacker and a new PB so hopefully all ok.