If we compare where Eastmond and Tomkins were at the same age as Myler currently is we perhaps get a better sense of where Myler might actually stand.

So at the same age as Richie Myler is now Tomkins had yet to make an appearance in Super League whilst Eastmond had started 7 games with a further 13 appearances off the bench. He had weighed in with 10 tries.

Myler by comparison has started 24 Super League games scoring 16 tries. I won't mention Championship appearances and awards or international caps.


Perhaps not yet the time to write Myler off then?

Lets face it he's crap overpriced we should of got Orford instead Smith out.

Richard Myler
Super League appearances 24
Tries 16
Assists 18

Hope you boys aint planning a Penny like lynching for youg Richie?

Though luckily some of you seem spot on IMO, the stats above prove that! Richie has stepped up to the mark every time he's been asked too... 1st joined Salford led them to NL Treble in first season as a first teamer (only two games for Chemics) got international cap that year and was excellent (allbeit opposistion, but still) Salford get promoted he get's the nod as chief playmaker and again was exceptional... internationals again did very well.

Just as he isn't scoring or creating every Wire try doesn't mean he's pants! I think this year he'll ease in and next season he'll be a top star... was gonna have a flutter on SL top try scorer this season meself but wasn't sure!

Comparisons with Tomkins & Eastmond...

Well IMO Richie is a 7 the other two are 6's! And long term for England I think it'll be Myler + 1 or maybe Eastmond @ FB!

The other two are known for line breaking, stepping in side to score etc, Myler is known for support play and organisation (hence the 7 / 6 remarks). I think Richie has the better control of the play and his distribution and kicking game is also better. (though the other two are working hard in that area).

Tomkins & Eastmond have been bred in different teams used to more pressure from support and media as well as playing with World class players and set ups from day 1! It's a lot differnt playing for a lower side usually on the back foot all the time to playing for a side expected to boss games and entertain at the same time.

Myler & Briers IMO is a great combination (though I hate to say it!) so for when Briers leaves you should look for a similar player who runs the line well and creates the match winning passes etc whilst letting Richie run the show in the middle of the park... Once he gets used to the players around him more he'll start to pick up on confidence and play more freely!

(bit long winded but hope get my jist!).

Good analysis J20. The lad is young and will continue to thrive with better class players around him. Every time we make a break, Myler is first to see the potential and back up.

That's a very good post and a pretty good point you make about kyle and tomkins relying on pace and losing that as they get older. I was thinking the same thing other day about when kyle is older and lost his pace, but longy was the same. Longy used to rely on pace but was class act that just changed the way he played as all great players do.

IMO both tomkins and kyle have the class to change their game if they do one day lose there pace.

I reckon we give him until Salford are back in the Championship. By 2012 he'll be one of the best scrum halves in Super League.

Will everyone in Birchwood return to supporting Warrington then?

There is no "moral" to this story. However, it's true to say that every dog has its day in the sun.

Just on the £200K vs 12 years argument, there are no guarantees beyond his 4 year contract.

Sam Tomkins is already becoming a much better allround player. He is top of the try assists at the moment.

What is the kicking/passing split?

Putting my neck out here but I didn't have any major concern over our attack last friday. Yes, it was occasionally basic but lets all remember that we scored as many as they did. I said building up to the game that whilst I'm a massive fan of Briers', I'd seen enough steel in our defence recently to allow myself a little quiet confidence.

Our defence just had to be better on the night to win there, and it wasn't.

As for Myler, are people seriously ripping into him here? Jesus.

Probably around 50:50
His attacking kicking has been very good, but he needs to work on his long kicking game.

Reading Wayne Bennetts 'don't die with the music in you', he talks about how Langer had no long kicking game whatsoever, then, when people moved on - he literally self taught himself & practised and developed one to compliment would he could do.

I'm sure Smith will be the same with Myler.

If you have read Bennett you would say that Myler would need to develop the kicking game for himself. Intrinsic not extrinsic.

Firstly, give Myler a chance. Much has been said about the different styles and the fact that Eastmond and Tomkins look more dynamic and therefore catch the eye. A couple of years will show the truth....