I think our pack will dominate and does so. He has been good, just surprised that we seem to be happy with him but not with whitehaven's winger who was playing the same but couldn't back it up like Sam could!

We bullied their pack today and Sam was the leader. Like it or not, but to be successful this year we will have to have a pack that is tough. Seems we have that and Sam is the leader of the pack. By the end of the season he will be the best 13 in the league if he's not already. Well done Sam keep it up!

Sam has been outstanding in the first three games Runs the ball well ,great at unloading in the tackle ,aggressive in the tackle ,and a real threat great to see him in a Centurions shirt

I thought he had an excellent game , as did everyone. Not a facet of a Leigh team generally but our defence on our own line was superb.
Liam Kay must be up for Try of the day.

Double post

I had the Privilige of sitting on Tony Cottrells table in the Touchdown Club this afternoon , and he spoke so well , but told a few stories of his exploits , especially the Steve Halliwell incident at Saints , very amusing , Sam is just a big no nonsense Enforcer nobody will boss our pack , I know PR rates him very highly .

Also as Allan Rowley said it was like a Pennington School reunion today "Who said Pennington couldn't play "? That was our team song , happy days great memories , good to see you again Tony .He even remembered the Boxing match in the Hall .

When he sticks to rugby he is excellent. Strong tackler, runs in well, not a massive metre maker, but similar to Ricky bibey in that he usually get a quick play the ball setting up the next play the ball, good pair of hands, and can pick a pass. He seems a natural 13. Just think that when he decides to be a thug, he ruins it.

If you are the team's enforcer you will occasionally attract the wrath of the referee but that is part of the job, what it doesn't usually attract is the wrath of your own supporters.
Most fans get a lift when their pack is following the enforcer's lead and it certainly adds to the atmosphere. I think Barlow's detractors would be happier staying at home knitting or reading.

Completely agree Neil. Sam has been fantastic and I was just saying how good he had been again when he clumped the lad on the floor. Silly and I hope it doesn't become a regular thing with him because he is a better player than that. We will be without him now for a game and if I were him I would take it and not go down the early plea route. I would save it in case it happens again and we need him for a more important game.

I thought the whole pack was outstanding.

Wish we'd kept him all those years ago.
He's superb, tackles everything, hard.
Doesn't let our players get bullied.
So what, he might give some penalties away, but ask any of our players if they would want him with us or against us.
Best signing we've made since Kes.

Totally agree and he will get better with every game. I thought Sam, Tom and Jake really softened their pack up with Oli and Kurt and Aspi adding to their pain. Then comes Tommy G and Matty. For their sizes they are amazing. Tommy looks in the best shape I have ever seen him in and Matty is a machine. Something made the bloke next to me a bit queezy. AJ came off with his little finger bent back 180 degrees to his other fingers and the trainer just pulled it and popped it back. I love this sport for exactly those types of situations. Nice to see you back on here anyway Nik.

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Mate mate mate thanks appreciate it! Looking forward to this season more than ever! The hunger is back! Come on Leythers!!!!

Highlight for me today was AJ's spot tackle on their No3. We were ruthless.

I will make what I am saying clear. I expect flare ups and aggression etc etc. the difference is he tries his best on every occasion he can to create it and to start it. When he sticks to playing rugby he is one of our best players. Just wish he would play the game. If he needs to get stuck in fine, but otherwise cut it out.