Replace Tony Smith? Ok, who with? If there is a coach with a better record available then bring him in but lets hope he brings a centre, winger, couple of rough ar*e props and a scrum-half with him otherwise we'll be no better off, probably worse.

If I had a criticism of TS it would be misplaced loyalty to certain players. I don't know what Rhys Evans or Dwyer have done to justify their continued absence. J Monas & Bridge committed more defensive howlers in the first half than Riley has all season but will no doubt be in the team next week. M.Monas is a busted flush and has been for 18 months etc. etc.

Having said that, for a clearly intelligent man and astute coach, the pre-season recruitment and some of his team selections of late have been baffling.

We have plenty of good props, we need a centre and a world class half back who can kick.

We're screwed otherwise.

From an outside perspective, individually your players would stand up to pretty much any team in the league (your potentially missing a bit of depth relative to other teams/ years but that's another argument for another day) - what your desperately lacking is organisation, and somebody to march you around the field, and really control the game. A Roby or an Oloughlin would see you right up there, as they lead for their teams imo.

You looked a little bit like saints did last year when lomax and Roby were injured, at the beginning of the year, minus saints had a few bright lights of individual magic (though granted your game style doesn't necessarily suit relying on individual brilliance) - you need to promote someone to "head of the team" and tell all the players that whatever they call, is what's done. Right now it looks like you have higham trying to do something, but ratchford wants to do something different, and then myler wants something else, and the support runners end up confused and look blunted. That plus a bit more strike in your outside backs would go a long way imo.

It's understandable that someone hasn't been brought in, given briers unexpected retirement - but now you need someone to step into that role.

Atkins and Bridge need a trip to Swinton, but to be honest, I'd feel sorry for Swinton having them two useless turds dumped on their lap.

Based on the evidence of this year, we have two - Hill & Wood.

As wood even played yet?

right again morrisseyisawire

Last season was the best I saw Wood play.
He played much above his weight.
But he is injury prone and when even when fit, how can we be a credible threat with just 2 props of stature?
Asotasi is here on holiday and there his words not mine
England is unproven and injury prone.

Absolutely. Asotasi might well be trying his heart out but his body language portrays a man performing the bare minimum of the prop forward job spec. The most intimidating thing about him is his beard.

Perhaps our current plight is best summarised that big Roy represents our marquee signing for the year.

Unfortunately, Roy is only a marquee signing in the sense that he will have cost us a large amount of dosh. But in terms of problems, that is small beer compared to the inability to field an an attacking pair of half backs, at least one of whom can kick. I suspect it will be next season and a certain gentleman's cheque book before that can be rectified.

I reckon we must be £400,000 under cap this season.

Smith in one interview did say there was something available in the cap if needs must.

Hill immense
Westwood tireless
Waterhouse solid.

Grix not his best game but quality.
Laithwaite needs to use his brain when attacking but adding to that he's light or at least light in the collision.
Riley looks like a monster but acts like a monster in Monster's Inc, the Russians could raise a sub quicker than he gets up.

Asotasi is just an average prop, god I hope he gets homesick and leaves.

When Woody, England and Harrison are thrown in the mix we'll be fine, let's just hope they're available when it counts.

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