Roby is a better player. So is Lunt at Huddersfield, for me. So is Diskin.

Roby & Lunt are different types of hooker, both more suited to an impact off the bench (possibly why Roby has been less of a player for Saints since assuming starting roles); and Lunt not yet international standard though will be undoubtedly. Diskin as I said, possibly but would be a question mark over his big game temperment...

imo we've got the best hooker in the league in monas, clarke's not going to get in over monas so it will be a toss up between mick and clarke, rotation, me personally prefer micky.

Rumours among Whitehaven fans that Clarke is going there for a spell on loan.

Clarke is a pretty average hooker, his passes are both predictable and slow not to mention wayward. There is no way on earth he could replace Monaghan, who I wish was an 80 minute player, and personally I would prefer Higham as the back up/rotation hooker - he is at his best when he comes off the bench. If anything Clarke slows play down and alot of the time swings out the most appalling hospital passes that ive ever seen.

If you really think that Clarke is that good then I think its you who doesn't have a very good understanding about the hooking role.

I will also wager that as soon as Clarkes contract is up he will be shown the door by Tony Smith.

There certainly isn't a place for him in the first team squad at the min... A few injuries to a few forwards and we will be glad we have a player like Clark to bring back into the side.

Hook, line & as they say. Sinker.

Natters - how do you know the details of Clarke's contract? I always assumed he got one of that length because he settled for a moderate contract that gave him security of length to complete university studies and also gives in an opportunity for a testimonial.

I guess its your same "relative" at the club who gave you the in-side line on Sinfield signing. Remind us again when your confirmed, nailed-on signing of Sinfield is to be announced.


Are you going to go back to your "get rid of Harrison" once this Clarke one runs it course?

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO to jon clarke

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I'm pretty sure nobody has even mentioned him replacing Monaghan .. Monas at the moment is playing 30 minutes per half which is a pretty good spell in comparison to other teams hookers.



That your personal opinion, which you are entitled to. But just because the other 80% on this thread dont agree with you it doesn't mean there wrong does it ?... Plus yeah Mickey is a rotation hooker But thats all he offers to the team for 10 minutes per half .. Clarke on the other hand can rotate at 6. 7 , 9 . 11 ,12 and 13, i know who i would prefer on the bench looking at that ...



Obviously your not looking at Mickeys passing game then are you ? now thats shocking for a hooker



Is That because nobody agrees with you.. let me guess your right and the rest of us are wrong.. i'm guessing Mickeys innefective scoots this year, along with his suicide passes and poor discipline is the way to go then eh..



Oh well this must be nailed on then if you say so

wind your neck in as you know nothin reading that utter crap

Clarke is a good hooker and his criticism came from the way he was forced top play from acting half by jumping the ball before passing to freeze the markers & make a gap behind the second marker for the forwards to exploit. With some teams that works, with others it doesn't. Clarke's best work comes from organising defence, tackling & when going forward he rolls the pack on well. He's improved vastly in the last 18 months.

Problem is .. Monaghan. Monas is on fire, and as such, do we need a starting hooker, or an impact hooker, or (as a lot of teams are looking at) an 80 minute hooker. Clarke for me isn;t an impact hooker. Smiths decision, and will be based on a mix of that week's opposition, seeing them 7 days a week (rather than 80 on a weekend) and fitness.

I wouldn't think he'd get a run out at 13. Smith doesn;t seem to go for ball playing forwards, rather an additional hitter. Clarkes also trained too lean for 13.

To be honest Clarke may be forced out, and it is likely to be his style of play in our squad rather than any problem with his talent.

Oh one last point, those arguing that Clarkes inclusion in the recent England squads was due to Cunningham not being available. When was the last time Cunningham declared himself available fro England & not Wales ffs.

I wonder if Clarke got a Sky MOM whether he'd get that awful reaction that Wainwright did a few seasons ago.

As the thread starter can I go on record as not hating John Clarke and have/will never boo him or any member of the team. I'm just not a fan of his game and feel that we have a better interchange hooker in Higham and a better interchange utility player in Grix.

I also loved Mike Wainwright and could see how much he offered to the team. His ability to offload was something we needed in the team when he was playing for us as no-one else seemed to want to from what I can remember.