Quote: Bigredwarrior "Zak has been our most consistent player all year. Smithies has run him close but I’d be stunned if ZH isn’t our player of the year when the awards are dished out.
French is still getting used to being at Wigan and I’ll not be judging him until he’s had a Pre-season in whatever position Lam chooses for him. As for tomorrow being perfect, I disagree. I want us to win tomorrow and don’t buy into the nothing to lose idea. A win tomorrow will be a perfect confidence boost going into a GF. Lose tomorrow and Saints will feel unstoppable at Old Trafford.'"
I rate Zak, I need to stress that before I carry on. But in the current system I don't think anyone can say he's been affective in attack. I'd go as far to say as an attacking fullback this has been Zaks worst season for many years. He's look far more deadly in attack for both Leeds and Cas, I'd find it baffling if people said otherwise.
I agree regarding French; I won't be judging his development and promise until after he's had time at the club, but to disregard what he can or can't offer the team in the here and now is madness.
You miss my point regarding the game, the game isn't a 'nothing to lose' but making the positional switch is a nothing a 'nothing to lose' move, as I truly believe with the way we play we're light years behind beating Saints. Saints would have to bottle it; the game, if not the GF is theirs to lose.
It's simple really. Our attack is subpar and clunky at the best of times, one of the reasons why is how we use Zak; it's pretty clear to see, he's not the same style FB as a Tomkins or Matty Bowen, however; French is. I don't see the resistance with giving French a go in that position. FWIW Zak would still be on the pitch during these positional changes.
Additionally French is wasted coming on and being used as a 6. I'd question anyones RL knowledge if they think he's been affective when he's played there.
The pieces are there, just in the wrong places.