George Williams's thoughts on Leon Hayes's Development confirms my thoughts that we need some more half back cover. From what I have seen Leon needs more time before he can play regularly at Super League level. Mind you I have been wrong before.

From the Guardian
At the age of just 19, however, Williams believes rushing the Warringtonian’s development would be to his detriment.
“Leon’s had a glimpse of first-team but I think he needs 12 months of playing against men now,” he said.
“That could be on dual-registration when the time comes – there’s some good teams in the Championship and he’ll certainly learn his trade there.
“He’ll be really good for us over time but we can’t rush him too quick – if we’re talking about trying to win a Grand Final, it’s a big ask for a young kid.”

We have Ratchford and Powell who can play in the halves if needed. We can't really bring in a back up half - who would that be?

We just need a better one than Drinkwater, but that will have to wait until next season.

As I'd like another prop too ... what we really could do with is a prop/half back cover ... Les Boyd.
Though (as an ex-half back) I still cannot see why Thewlis can't play half back.

Who said "Argue for your limitations and they are yours?"

Some halfbacks that sprung to mind and their age when securing a first team place.

Andy Gregory 19
Shaun Edwards 17
Sean Long 18
Tommy Martyn 18
Bobby Goulding 17
Lewis Dodd 19
Johnny Lomax 19

Add Briers to the list

It's all sounding like the Warrington Wolves Half back development programme again. -> Taste of first team -> Short Loan -> Extended Loan -> Lower Grade RL

I've lost count of how many have done that route.

I'm not certain what you are getting at here, But (I will guess) If a player is good enough (and at half back ... it usually means quick enough off the mark) then I would put them in early. But my instincts tell me that Hayes he is not ready yet. Williams seems to agree,
Just to clarify thoughts ... you usually need to be " off a shovel" to play half-back if you are small otherwise you get hurt,

Hayes seemed to cope fine defensively against the big guys. I can only assume it’s something else that is holding him back. When he played he looked like a great little organiser. Relative to Drinkwater, anyway. I’m encouraged by what Williams has said about Drinkwater’a fitness. Looks like he’s a bit more committed this year already, so will give him a chance.

On a side note, I was also encouraged by Toby King’s attitude, as he seems to have matured a bit and is taking ownership of a few things. He even mentions that he wasn’t first choice at centre when he first came back. Good to know Burgess is on top of things in that regard, picking players on what he sees rather than what they’ve done previously.

If he's good enough - he's good enough. Powell or Ratchford at half back won't win us a GF (or many games either)

Yes it seems that he is "not ready yet" which is basically code for "not good enough yet" at 19. This is sad.

Can you name a young Warrington halfback who has benefited from going on loan to come back and secure the starting halfback role for a period of time?

I'm just worried this sounds all too familiar.

Hulse, Durbin, Patton, Dean etc - sure I have missed a few.

Have sent you a PM.

https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/sp ... -big-2024/ Quote ="George Williams" “We started it really well together, but there were a lot of grey areas with how we played last year. “There were a lot of ways out and shortcuts without getting pulled on it but now, Sam’s direct. He’s clear about what he wants from us and if we don’t do it, we don’t play.'" I'm sorry but this attitude stinks. Can you imagine Jonny Lomax, Lewis Dodd, Harry Smith, Bevan French et al looking for shortcuts and ways out?

https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/sp ... -big-2024/ Quote ="George Williams" “We started it really well together, but there were a lot of grey areas with how we played last year. “There were a lot of ways out and shortcuts without getting pulled on it but now, Sam’s direct. He’s clear about what he wants from us and if we don’t do it, we don’t play.'" I'm sorry but this attitude stinks. Can you imagine Jonny Lomax, Lewis Dodd, Harry Smith, Bevan French et al looking for shortcuts and ways out?

I read it to mean that Powell wasn't as pedantic on certain disciplines during play, and was more focussed on the 'non-technicalities'? I think that's what Williams meant anyway, but I may have read it wrong.

I know that Burgess will be more of a Price-type technical guy, but hopefully more inspirational and less cushy with the players. For all of Price's faults, in 2018 he took a pretty average bunch of players to two finals through sheer hard work and sticking to the plan. It only fell apart when he couldn't get the likes of Austin and Widdop to fire consistently. Let's remember, Burgess is the guy who was prepared to drop Latrell Mitchell for being off his game!

Perhaps that's what Williams meant.

Price was exceptional in his first year, it was the 3 that followed most tellingly the playoff disasters at home. He couldn't get the players to perform when the pressure was really on (2019 CC we were not given a chance)

Riley Dean was told the same last season.
And I said then it’s because Wire don’t want him.
I hope this isn’t the case with Hayes, but Wire haven’t banked the brownie points to take chances on the youth.

Thewlis is an out and out fb, however like Smiffy’s shout about playing him at hb.
Play him at 6 and Williams at 7 and Drink look warm water at Widnes.

Hayes appears to be Burgess’ favourite player in training, and from the friendlies. I’d be very surprised in any other player took the half back role from Drinkwater this year (injuries permitting of course). Burgess wants a classic controlling scrum half in the middle.