Does anyone really believe Atkins would ever be dropped if fit?

I would wholeheartedly agree. Does say much though...attack wise.

By what measure would Evans be classed as a better centre than Atkins? I appreciate that there are lies, damn lies and statistics (and I appreciate that have a picture of Atkins as my avatar - but because I like the picture) but so far this season...

Trys - Atkins 2, Evans 0
Assists - Atkins 2, Evans 0
Missed Tackles - Atkins 0, Evans 10
Average Gain per Carry - Atkins 10.2, Evans 7.0
Clean Break - Atkins 1, Evans 0
Errors - Atkins 4, Evans 6

You do realise that you're backing the scapegoat here don't you? I understand the Atkins bagging as he has definitely gone backwards since 2012 but to say evans is better is just a bit much. I want evans (both of them) to be good, but both have to prove their fitness and their abilities yet.

Atkins' stats have probably converted me to the 'Atkins to second row' crowd; he did way more tackles than our other backs last year (almost as many as Asotasi!) and had a lower missed tackle percentage than almost all of them. He's big and strong and works hard, but he can't pass which makes centre a poor position for him. Second row doesn't seem like a bad option, apart from the competition we have there too - it worked out fine for Westwood.

But why move arguably our best centre from a position where we are short to a position where we have plenty options and then in all likelihood end up moving the best young forward in SL to cover centre as soon as injuries start to kick in? Atkins may now be at the start of the downward slide that comes to every player eventually, but he is still IMO the best we have.

As for Evans, he is past the potential stage and is at an age now where he should be producing the goods. I have seen nothing from him to suggest that he's any more than a lower to mid table SL quality player.

As suspected, no Clark this week so Stef on the bench to cover hooker, Gidley to go back to stand off. m.warringtonguardian.co.uk/sport ... de_Sandow/

As suspected, no Clark this week so Stef on the bench to cover hooker, Gidley to go back to stand off. m.warringtonguardian.co.uk/sport ... de_Sandow/

Evans is no where near good enough for our team, injury prone is his biggest issue and therefore will never hold his place long enough to be good enough. As he has been with us since a boy I do hope he can make it but as each season rolls on he gets injured and lags further behind. Atkins our new Wainwright style scapegoat has gone backwards big style and he will need a big season to turn the doubters (I am one) around. He could choose to fight for England call up with a new coach in place?

Sounds more like Evans is the scapegoat!
I always think of Grix in these situations. Injured for a lot of his playing career with big issues, but came good and we got a lot from him.

We need a new scapegoat with Wheeler probably out for the season at least, Myler seemingly doing well in France & Roy long gone back to Oz. Pity we can't get Waterhouse back to be official club scapegoat.

and Gary Mercer

I'm not sure Daryl will return against Cas either.

Even if it means dropping a few points over the next few weeks I would far rather he comes back when he's fully recovered rather than a few weeks early and then potentially lose him for several more weeks.

Dwyer / Ratch ain't a bad pairing if that's the case

True, True.