I also thought Roderick Tai was much improved on his previous appearance - some decent defensive reads and hits and injected pace into the line which created the space for Thewlis’s third try.

Oh yeah he is tough, he just pretends he isnt until the whistle goes for a penalty lol.

Probably predictable after the Asiata announcement.

Ok. Let's take 4 example games. London are terrible and out no pressure on our kickers. We had 7 kicks behind or not far past the half way. 6 of those went straight to hands. The 7th could have possibly been taken on the full by a better FB than walker.

Hull KR away. 9 out of 14 long kicks went straight to their players. 3 of the 5 kicks that didn't were Williams interestingly.

Cas at home. 3 kicks from range and they all went to hands.

I could go through each game from this season but I really don't want to. I think this is enough evidence to show that our long range kicking game isn't good so we probably shouldn't criticise Drinkwaters kicking when he plays and takes long kicking duties.

I wouldnt disagree that Drinkwaters and Hayes kicks placement are similar I'd argue that Hayes kicks longer. He certainly kicks longer from pentalties.

I'd think the big part of the issue for Drinkwater is hes a quota player on a reasonable wage, that a young player has come through and was/is playing arguably better certaintly at least as good as him.

I also feel that the number 7 role for us in the current system is a little thankless, do well it probably will get unoticed, do badly and it will, as Williams and Dufty run the show, so i have some sympathy for Drinkwater and I do feel the better games for him have come when Williams isnt playing.I dont know if feels overawed or something.
I think that Hayes comes in with less expectation so his performances have been received better.
I hope Drinkwater smashes it this year and goes out with a bang.

On second viewing:
Philbin had a very decent game (took some good flat passes) & Tai put some effective low tackles in. Both improved their chances of remaining in the team.
Drinkwater nice clean break from nothing to set up Williams try & involved in others.
Dufty is being asked to do too much in attack for his own health & won't last. We must reduce his work load if we want to keep him playing every week. This idea of using him as a battering ram on the 5th Tackle will end in tears.
The conditions were absolutely appalling & made it much easier to defend.