That appears a real shame based on his limited opportunity in the first team, but it follows the trend.

I suspect Hayes is watching with interest.

Sure he would of been in the 21 for this match had he not been injured.

Said it before and I make no apologies for saying it again. The best way for youngsters to ensure you are undroppable at Warrington is to adopt a Dame Edna accent, claim to be from Western Suburbs rather than Westy and demand marquee salary. Job for life.

Powell said we had the forwards we needed. We shall see. Drinkwater was dropped by Cat long before last season ended and is not worth his place. We have a habit of blaming certain players when things go wrong. Leave Dean alone. Two decent centres would help things. Powell's judgement is under scrutiny when it seems our "exes" aren't doing too badly at Leigh.

Drinkwater has been fine - he helped win us the game vs Catalan in the cup. I’m glad the ex Wire players are going well at Leigh, but it was the correct decision letting all of them go. We’re sitting top of the league and out of sight improved on 2022. I’d say Powell’s judgement has been pretty decent.

As with all clubs really ...youngsters get extended runs through injury or performance. Let's not get carried away with how good our youngsters are or how other sides select their sides. Coaches pick their strongest teams & shuffle players' positions about in an attempt to do that. One or two on here seem to have a bit of a witch hunt at Wire coaches as if they should pick players because they are young. Let's not get me wrong here ... I would love a good youngster to force his way in. As for Patton, having lots of games, he was hardly ever first choice as there were a few half-back injuries during his time.

He averaged ~14 games per season over 7 years.

I would say that in these 3 years he was an ever present.

2017 - 24 app
2018 - 27 app
2019 - 31 app

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That's possible, but on the other side of the coin as a Featherstone fan, there's a feeling amongst some of our fans that we should move on from Dean given we can't rely on him not being called back (as is Warrington's prerogative of course), our 3rd half back Thomas Lacans is a big fan favourite.

If Dean signed on a permanent deal that would change things of course and with Fev currently 4-11 favourites to be promoted and Dean apparently playing poorly against Leigh that might be a step closer.

There have been rumours of Fev trying to sign another half back though and that could see Dean out in the cold at Fev too. So it could go either way for me.

re. Patton
Wow he did pick up some games. But it is true to say he was never first choice.
2017 Brown & Gidley, 2018 Brown & Roberts, 2019 Brown & Austin ... we had a tough time with half-back injuries.

Baffled by some folks obsession with Patton unless there is a hidden agenda. He's long gone. I sadly doubt Dean will ever get the chance he needs to prove himself. If Irecall correctly Williams was dropped at Wigan for a few months but not written off by a class coach who knew how to handle young players. Our success rate with Academy players suggest we don't when compared to Wigan and Saints.

I'm not quite sure there is an "obsession with Patton" FWIW I think it's a recent (ish) benchmark for many to review emerging half back talent so relevant to Dean now as it was to O'Brien before him?

You're spot on. I can forgive the 21 year old kid who's played about 5 games at this level. The minimal amount of critic on here directed towards our captain and our other experienced centre however, is, surprising to say the least.

"The minimal amount of critic on here directed towards our captain and our other experienced centre however, is, surprising to say the least."

Whilst not attempting to counter your argument it is reasonable to note that Ratch's quick hands are the reason we are still in the cup.

Maybe although it really was not a difficult pass.It was literally a catch and pass, he didn't have to drawer the defender in.

Ratch has got good hands & his goalkicking is better than most.