mamo could be playing on wednesday, symonds maybe monday

I was pessimistic before the Saints game, even more so at half time, but to come back to get a draw was encouraging and shows there is some spirit in the side. The usual negativity persists on this forum, the only reason we got a draw was because Saints were so bad etc etc etc. However, the guys deseve some credit for coming back from 14 points down and niling a team, in the second half. l'm expecting to finish in the bottom 4, but am reserving judgement until after we get Mamo and Symonds into the side, to see what impact these 2 player might have.

Danny Brough seems to be taking some unfair stick. If he did leave the Giants, as was reported a few weeks ago, there would be a queue of Super League clubs wanting his services. Like all players he can't be at the top of his game, every game. Players do have dips in form. I'd rather see him in a claret and gold shirt, rather than playing against us, any day !

The big problem for Brough is that if he isn't kicking goals from anywhere, or he isn't winning games for us like he has on so many occasions, Then he is the problem. If the whole team showed the commitment Brough does most of the time, we would be in a better position than we are. That said sometimes kickers lose their touch temporarily, If we have others who can kick goals give them a shot.

He's never a problem for my money because as we know defence in this game is just as important as when in possession,and Danny is always committed to his tackling. Some of the others it has to be said have been found wanting on d.

Does make me wonder when they think of recruitment do they consider the defensive qualities as well as the flair side of things.

one thing i dont like from brough is how he blows his top at say mcintosh when mcintosh puts a kick through or whatever, its like if its not brough that can do it then no one can!!!! yes brough is the main playmaker but dont have a go when others chance their luck... not like brough is causing havoc for defences right now is it

Why do you think he's done nothing? The stats paint a very different picture.


Second most metres this season

Third most carries this season

An average gain per carry of well over 8 metres

Eighth most tackles this season (most of all the backs)


Seems like he's done plenty to me!

Well he would be high on the "mosts" list since he's played more games than the rest.
His go forward is very good- his defence is suspect. He needs to work in that significantly.
He's not quick or agile enough to be a top centre, his strength is that of a second row but his defence isn't good enough to be in the middle.

Yes Jools, being high on the "mosts" lists shows Mellor has done rather more than Brearley's claim that he does nothing.

This has always been my only gripe with brough, as i posted on a thread some weeks ago, there is plenty of evidence to show that he stifles the other playmakers. He is without any doubt our best player, but he has a responsibility to bring those on around him and make us a better TEAM. It always appears to me that the other playmakers are fearful of showing their full range of skills because of retribution from Danny if either he doesn't get to make a play, or they make a play that isn't what he would have done. This in turn, makes us a very easy team to counter, because opposition know everything goes through brough. We would need a very strong character, of equal ability to maybe change this situation, and i don't see us signing anyone of that calibre! A couple of occasions when he didn't play last year, others were forced to take the responsibility and looked far better for it.

you not been watching the games?! our left side defence is shot to pieces and he has been part of that left side for every game

play every game and you will be up in stats

he had one good game against salford when he scored two tries, since then nothing but woe... still young but hes not a centre , sam wood is better

yep, gaskell has been kicking more though, hope it continues, gaskell is looking very good . like the way he takes on the line, hes made a few clean breaks recently doing this...just need players backing him up...brierley would be ideal for that! maybe mamo now too

I haven't seen anyone claim that Mellor doesn't have areas in his game which require improvement; you just seem to be erroneously equating his deficiencies with a lack of work, namely 'nothing'.

Second top metres, third most carries, most tackles in the backs... and does nothing! Perhaps the question of whether I've been watching the games should be readdressed?

It is a fanciful perception of a couple of people on here that his stats are only to be expected as he has played all the games. Would the others be averaging 20 tackles and over 100m at over 8m per carry if they'd played every game? How many of them are currently doing it? And remember, he was signed as a squad player and is predominantly a second rower.

To spell it out, I'm not defending Mellor's defensive frailties; it is quite clear that there are issues with his game in need of work and improvement. Nor am I saying we shouldn't be in search of an improvement - he's a young second rower with heretofore limited Super League experience playing centre and is being exposed. The point I am simply making is that he does a commendable amount of work for the side, not 'nothing' as you suggested. Even without looking at the actual stats I'd have thought his work rate would have been noticed, unless of course you not been watching the games (sic).