Second row is the one area of the team we need to improve. We have probably the weakest 2nd row in Superleague. I wouldn't sign Tickle but at the moment we have Ta'ai and that's it. Roberts looks a good prospect but Lawrence and Patrick should be nowhere near our starting second row. Lawrence is a light prop. Patrick needs to prove he's something more than a substitute who can score the occasional highlight reel try.

We need aggressive strong runners. Neither of those players are either of those things.

We need some mongrel, players who will hurt the opposition.

agreed

The expectations of some fans that every player we have should be a world beater without any weakness (but, of course, with some 'mongrel') are just, well, I won't use those words, but seriously, some people need a healthy dose of realism.

Being the first name on the team sheet does not equate to being a good second row or even a good player. To throw your argument back at you the same Michael Lawrence Paul anderson brought a player in on loan who had we been able to sign him would be occupying the place ahead of him.

You are mistaking evaluating a players strengths and weaknesses and make an honest assessment with dismissing a player entirely.

Lawrence is an excellent tackler and a workhorse. He is not a strong aggressive runner. Often he hits the defence and is stopped. The former are excellent attributes for a Prop. The latter is essential for a second row.

If he bulks up some more he could be an essential part of our front row.

wardles long term future is as a 2nd rower, just having to do it abit sooner last year because of ferres being out banned/injured and again being rushed abit because we are short in that area