Really think tony needs to get him training with the forward pack soon and progressing him into a second rower, he is ideal at this stage in his career and i think this position would suit him very well. Lets be honest he is visibly one of the biggest (muscle mass wise) so he has the strength to carry hard, his pace is extraordinary so if he does bust a tackle hes got the legs to back him. The way he plays at centre at the minutes is very direct, runs hard, an odd offload, some decent footwork and puts a good defensive shot on when needs be. He seems ideal, needs to be thought about to continue his career.

I did think the same at one point but I'm not sure he's tough enough.

Westwood made the move... But westwood was tough and in your face to start with... i dont see Atkins in the second row.. He doesnt have the required attributes.

Westwood wasn't really a centre though was he, wakefield just played him there, as they ran out of bodies during there original or second crisis.


That said, Atkins arms are way too big.

I think he should consider a move from either 3/4 or to championship club within the next 2 seasons if he was to extend his career way into his 30s.

I sincerely hope that doesn't happen. He might be big on the outside but he isn't big enough on the inside to be in the middle six.

We signed Westwood as a winger/centre and he did score some good tries from there. He switched to second row after he broke his leg and to be fair he has never looked back or let anyone down.

He's not a centre, can't / won't pass to his winger

Can't see him as a 2nd rower to be honest. Just don't think he has the 'cajones' to keep taking the ball in, 'a la Westwood..

Happy to be proved wrong mind.

Westwood would go as hard as he can, head down into a brick wall, then get up and give it a slap.

Atkins would go round it and end up in touch (again).

I think back row would suit him.

Overall I'm disappointed with the progression of Atkins. His first few years we very good and I saw a lot of progression but the last couple it's plateaued.
I have been a big critic of his for doing brain fart things - often in attack - like running into touch and going for glory scores rather than passing to someone for an easy score, or losing the ball in the tackle.
Having said that I cannot fault his defence in the Wigoon match. He saved a couple of certain tries and played very very well.

I agree with what's been said here in that he's got a lot of the attributes to be a good strong second rower, but I don't think he has the Beeny heart (and maybe is a bit too clever !! - sorry Bennie! )

Lazier than a Scouser on Dole Day.

A pity really, as he's shown on many occasions that he has quality.

Ta-Ta, Ryan

I thought you meant Sarah Beeny!

She has a big heart, too.
But it's obscured by a couple of other big things