Is “controversial” a synonym for “bonkers”. The one area we look strong in, and you would voluntarily weaken it?

IMO (admittedly likely bonkers) Clark is an excellent player but limited, in a way, as a hooker. Scoots brilliantly, defends brilliantly and has great strength. He does, however, lack real game intelligence, an excellent pass and a kicking game. These limitations at times dictate our directness of attack and limit our options. Hopefully Powell can find a solution.

Wow. Somebody had the kaunas to say it. Good on ya Ratticus.
Clark is rarely lower than 9 out of 10 every game but I do hope that Powell and Co can develop his game. It hasn't really progressed since arriving here. When You compare to Roby who developed his game to put the odd kick in close to the line and the odd field position kick straight out of DH. Over the years Roby has picked up leadership skills and game management.
I just don't think we have ever learned to play to Clark's strengths.
I remember at the start of 2020 when Ashton first signed we played Wigan away (Hill sent off for high shot on Powell). I think widdop was injured with Ratch in the halves and Ashton at fullback. We played really well that game and every time Clark jumped out of DH, Ashton and others were up in support. That was a rarity as you often see Clark take off with nobody within 10 yards
I think we could have got so much more out of having Clark in our team but we have sort of squandered it and not used his skills and ability to our advantage.

Clark reinvented himself during his first season with us. He went from a wirey back up dummy half to a strong, aggressive defender capable of doing 80 minutes at the top level. He actually copped a lot of stick when he first signed. but this transition was underway and realistically, necessary, if he wanted to be a starting hooker for a team with any sort of ambition.

I agree, a kicking game or a Monaghan-style slight of hand/creativity would be amazing, but some of that can’t be coached into a player.

Clark (when not held together by tape) is a “play off” hooker. Intense defender, works markers hard and supports down the middle. Hodgson, McShane, Leeming, while they do have something up their sleeve, it can ofter result in a cheap turnover and completely turn the tide of momentum.

Roby was the best, probably still is in the frame, but Clark is next for me, followed closely by McIllorum. At the top level, you attack through defence. They hit and hurt, take the tempo away and start winning momentum. I wouldn’t swap him for anyone, unless Mick Monaghan has been looking after himself.

I think the broken play that can be created by a dummy half scoot is still our best tool in the box for scoring tries so that may be why it is a big part of Clark's game. We can be shambolic in other departments.

How confident are you of Widdop coming back? There are rumours that both he and Bevan French are actively looking for NRL offers whilst over there.

Clark is one of our few world class players. I expect him to be revitalised under Powell. I also expect Widdop to continue his form and for Williams to shine in a more cohesive attack.

There is always a danger that when you have an exceptional player you concentrate on what he doesn’t do rather than what he does. Labelling DC’s breaks with that incredible pace as “scoots” completely undervalues what he does,. Then there is his phenomenal defence. Take him out of the team and we are much the poorer. Having him and Danny Walker as our 2 hookers is a real bonus. Walker is developing at a significant rate and has a kicking game which DC clearly doesn’t.
Saints didn’t rush to get rid of Cunningham because they had Roby (an analogy not a comparison, yet).

Is this one of those rumours YOU posted elsewhere and are now referencing to make it look like it has legs?

It's must be all over Redvee

Rarely go on there anymore, there’s a danger of drowning in the by product of all that self love.

No pressure on Powell then......

My god I thought I read some bobbins on here especially off some of the more sensible folk but to criticize Clark..he's bar miles our best player and as been for years.. someone mentioned Roby who is a great player but would I swap...no way...

If we start rotating Clark with Danny Walker then he will stay in top form for years to come. He plays so many minutes usually he is bound to burn out.
Had his surgeries to fix his injuries, currently on holiday and will actually have a full off season, i think it will do him the world of good.

As confident as I am that you'll be on here posting stuff on this board during the pre-season, never mind 2022.