Quote: Last Son of Wigan "Ask any Saints fan about Makinson v Davies. I think Davies has potential to be a top SL winger and better than Makinson. But currently his overall game isn't there. I'd argue it's only a matter of time (if Davies is developed correctly) he'll surpass Makinson. I think on here at times people are deluded due to who they support, hence why a saints fan would laugh at such a suggestion.
I'm very pleased with Davies. Especially considering he's on a winger with either a SR makeshift centre or someone he's barely played with. To add this his pivot is Powell, who does nothing to put Davies in space or create within the structure.
Manfredi was excellent. As I've previously stated on he I thought he was the best winger we had at the club, including Burgess and at the time, Charnley. But he wasn't quite at the level of Hall who's proven not just at club level but on the international stage time and time again. In time could Manfredi have been as good? Probably yes. Sadly it could all be a coulda woulda shoulda with Dom.
I think Grace is better than Marshall. I wish I could watch the game with some of you pointing out and highlighting positional play (in defence) etc with Marshall. Not to mention how he's always good for an unforced error etc.
His speed and acceleration is a joy to watch, but it doesn't overshadow the issues.'"
You say ask any Saints fan about Makinson v Davies but then say they'd be deluded. What I said in the original post was that Davies wasn't far off Makinson. Having seen Davies this year and last I don't see any reason to suggest he's far from being a top winger (which Makinson is). It's obviously down to opinion, but no way do I buy into that view. The problem Davies has is that he rarely gets to showcase the attacking side of his game because, as you mentioned, there's little space created for Davies. Still, when he's been given opportunities he's generally taken them.
With Manfredi I should have said he was the best English winger 'in Super League' at the time of his injury. That may have been partly to do with Hall not having the same form for Leeds as he shows pretty much every time, but that's not to take away from Manfredi's form. Given the post I replied to was about us not producing quality players compared to Saints I don't think there was anything wrong in my assessment of Manfredi except for missing off that qualifying statement.
As for Marshall, I don't think his positional play is that bad compared to other young wingers who could be considered to be at the same level. And that includes Grace, who isn't immune to the odd positional lapse and error. They both have drawbacks. Marshall is definitely more error prone, but I'd also say that Marshall is a little bit better at creating opportunities for the players around him. I'd also hazard a guess that, having worked hard to improve his defence, Marshall is a little bit better at making his tackles stick compared to Grace, who can be a bit weak in that department.