Jools.....which 2 of Matagi, Taai, Seb and English are missing out? Clough and Bruno are sure starters for the 8 and 10 shirt next year.

I’m case you haven’t noticed you need a strong SQUAD. To cope with injuries- no one is saying he WILL be playing every game- but to bag him for me is wrong. And Matagi hasn’t even arrived let alone proven his worth and you are putting him as a first choice!


Some people want all the forwards to be busting tackles and making breaks each time they take the ball in and the backs to score full length or acrobatic tries every five minutes- and yes that’s exciting -so of course it’s what we as supporters want to see but they don’t recognise how defending well, getting a quick ptb, being discliplined, kicking well, keeping shape, making good choices, are just as likely to win games and lay a platform for the exciting stuff to happen.

Bruno also does two other things well, he rarely misses a tackle and has an excellent discipline record- rarely gives away stupid penalties- how many times have we conceded a try this season after Seb or leeming has given away a penalty?

which ever coach we have had and whichever internationals we have had over the last 10 years , lawrence has always played ( at least 18-20 games a year ) , must be doing something right to be picked , good job the team isn't picked on how many men they run over or how many tries they score isn't it .... fickle

Well guys you cannot argue both ways. One saying it is a squad game and the other saying fans are fickle for debating who in that squad gets first team choice???
Can personally understand the questions around Bruno - he is a beast, makes good metres, rarely makes mistakes, good discipline, a very good RL player who would get in any SL team. Rate him very highly and defensively we are always better when he is on the field.
Think he could and should provide offloads though as 99% predictable on every carry.

Am not saying he is a bad player but i just dont see him as a prop. yes he is good at making tackles but as a prop surly busting one or 2 tackles a season should be a must or providing a offload at least. running in and dropping to your knees instantly is not winning a tackle.

it is if you get a quick play the ball and a broken line to attack off the back of that

You dont need to be big to do that he was doing the same when he was 3 stone lighter and he still had a bit of speed then as well

Probably rarely makes mistakes because he is predictable and disciplined.
If you want offloads xpect more errors / mistakes. It's a risky business offloading.

So is passing. Other teams seem to manage to offload ok, some of them at will against us.

We keep beating no one been like that for ages

got to laugh at the cudjoe comments above too

Interesting that having Matagi here has fired Ukuma up as they are friends with a very competitive edge.

Matagi 41 tackles, 7 Marker tackles, 134 metres less than two weeks off the plane from Australia. He can also pass but keeps missing the patterns but that should improve too. Also played pretty long minutes.

Clough 35-8-130

We have six props for next year if you add Seb, Matty and Bruno to the three that played yesterday, we have cover for injuries and Woolfords track record says he will mix them up and keep them fresh so it’s really a debate about nothing.

The questionable signing for me is Uate if it happens as Darnell keeps improving and big money would be best sent on another half as we are short of cover and to get the best from Brough a few rest matches may be a good thing

looking strong in the prop department now the giants

as for uate... what he bring in experience and quality will be worth it to bring the youngtsers on even more, they will look upto him like an idol... abit like what hincy is doing for the likes of matty english, uate can also play anywhere along the back line

One thing that’s coming apparent is Darnell can finish-he backs himself very well. Imagine him on the wing with someone like uate inside him!

8 assists in last 5 seasons, Uate isn’t known for his passing and centre play or catching for that matter he’s known for his pace