I have my views on this that stem from a "lotta years"
A lot on here have had a crack at picking Andersons team for him and suggest ???? at centre and ??? on the wing and ??? at half back and move??? to..................etc etc ....
Personally I dont agree
If a half back gets injured -replace him with a half back
If its a centre -replace him with a centre
Cobbling up a team where all are considered multipositional sets a problem in itself as the shape and understanding between the squad flies straight out the window
They have a week of training to get an understanding ? No way!
All the problem (for us and other teams faced with the same situation ) stems from SuperLeague clubs abolishing the "A" team arrangement
We used to be able to watch RL at Fartown every week - skint or not -as it was 1st team away -A team home,... and vice versa
Consequently there was cover for every !st team member by a player who played in that position for the A team
They had played and trained to the same tactics and plans and though perhaps lower in ability slotted/blended in without affecting the whole team and its players It also provided them the opportunity to show how they could perform alongside more experienced first teamers
Not now
We see sometimes 2or3 players injured and we assume theyre all utility players and its like a game of chess where we can have a multitude of options . That even happens during a game
In my view --It Doesnt Work
I remember seeing a current player who was a centre being groomed for a winger and then switched to 2nd row or maybe loose forward
The poor lad -despite being a damn good prospect for future honours - looked like a rabbit in the headlights at one particular game Totally lost!.
In addition it IS a big jump from Academy to Superleague and theres no mid point for the progression of players
And from that stems some of the holier than thou arguments
Do we play the youngsters / or are they not yet ready / too early / dont encourage `em etc
Bottom line to me IF you introduce a youngster into the SuperLeague melting pot -at least pay him the respect of playing him in his regular position and then gauge his performance accordingly
Dont throw him in just anywhere . with other players who are "out of position"
Ive always thought that Jerry would make a good stand............OOOPS better shut up!