Point out Russells other strengths, i'm open to being told different.

btw fair play to Philbin he justified his inclusion over Ben Evans today. Good stuff.

Before today, Wire had played 5 games away to the Dragons since 2011 (including one CC match), and only lost one. So 'almost always' losing is incorrect.

That said, there's no reason why Warrington should expect to win there - it was just a mess of a performance today. "Cullen-esque" as my mate texted me, and I don't disagree with him.

Wheeler needs to sort his tackling out, I shudder to think of him in the centres or at full back. Harrison had a bad game also. Wire will be in the mix at the end of the season, but as mark_m has said above, the kicking game needs to improve massively if we're to win anything.

Russell's merits-
1) when receiving ball at FB, doesn't dither looking for space (like most fbs), he's fast up the defensive line and strong in the tackle.
2) dummy half running- quick and difficult to tackle.
3) genuine pace and power.
4) last season at FB- solid in defence and good returner.

(Going to try and think of more but need to grab some beers from the garage)

No kicking game was always going to be our major downfall this season.

great sides have a great kicking game... we dont even have half a kicking game.

But i kind of said that without all the detail on points 2, 3 and 4 they're all linked, a strong returner of the ball, that is the only attribute in which he beats Ratchford, but then Ratchford has an elusive style of running and equally able to beat a guy.

You can't tell me Ratchford isn't a better No.1?

I'm with Yed on this.
Dodging about like a stealy in a pinball machine isn't classic fullback play.
The nearest player we have to that ideal build is Ratchford, perhaps Penny can be schooled into that mould.

An eye for an opening with a smooth pacy running action.

Brian Johnson-esque

I liked the fact that Higham was pinged by Thaler for a high tackle. The rule book must have been revised once again.

Confidence in what?

As good as Penny has been at fullback, the imbalance of Russell on the wing is too great.

not so sure pal.

That I cannot give you an argument with. However should Evans return Matty wouldn't make my team.

Soz Yed, I joined the topic halfway through.

Both Ratchford and Russell are quality full backs.

I would prefer it if we could accommodate both and have MT at FB and SR at 6 with
Gob at 7.

Well I am firmly in the don't panic Mr Mannering camp. We had a hard match last week, Les Cats had a week off... and it showed, we were sluggish. They had a very good quality side out and the only way to deal with their big forwards and elusive backs is to give them no space. We didn't have the energy levels for that and paid the price.

The big negative for me was Wheeler, his defence as already mentioned was beyond poor. He needs to really sort out his tackling.

One point not mentioned was Bridge. Is it me or did anybody else think he was well off the pace ? I don't think he is anywhere near match fit and I would be interested to hear what is happening back stage - my guess would be that he has been restricted to only light training.

Joe Philbin did very well and it should be a good boost to his confidence. Lets see him have a string of games to see if he can continue with his form.

Finally, I would like to see Ratchford back at FB next week.

Really not being pedantic W/O but I'm a big Dad's Army fan.

It's Captain Mainwaring.