This is starting to confuse. Maybe the tactic is for Madge to use the early season to experiment and try to learn about his players (let's hope so).

To me it's very simple:

1. Richards
6. Tomkins
7. Finch
9. Leuluai
13. Lockers


14,15,16 or 17 - a BACK.

Now obviously 1 is injured, so a straight swap with someone seems reasonable, let the other players get used to their positions and playing with others, rather than constant change.

Last night we had a 6 at 1, a 13 at 6, a 12 at 3, a 9 at 7 and a 7 not really understanding where to slot in.

And we wonder why we looked flat in attack?

the thing with Richards at FB it takes out one of his strengths. His height in the attacking third with the kick in the corner.

How about Roberts at FB?

When Richards is back we need to pick players in our pivotal positions and role with them for at least 5 or 6 games.

I'd personally go-

1-Roberts
6-S Tomkins
7-Deacon/Finch
9-Leuluai
13-Lockers

bench-McIlorum

As I say thats my personal choice but whatever Maguire choose is fine by me aslong we we stick to it. The side looks like they don't know each other at the moment and it's understandable because of the chopping and changing. I don't blame Maguire at all for that because at times his hand has been forced.

I'd go the same.

Regardless of how he dealt with Brough's high balls, he had a good game against Huddersfield ball in hand.

Last night he didn't get the opportunity to get involved as much as what would have benefited us.

It's just the prospect of finding the Amos Roberts of early 2010 that makes me want to give him a shot back in the position. If we can get him in that form again then this side could be simply awesome in attack with Sam at 6 and Finch or Deacon pulling the strings.

It's a mouthwatering prospect but without a run of games in the side he'll never get that form back.

Agreed.

Play him at FB next week, let him attack the line properly and get sam back to 6.

If Richards is back I would go

1. S. Tomkins
5. Pat
6. Deacon
7. Finch
9. Tommy
13. Lockers

Roberts doesn't look interested IMO, it doesn't look like he has gained his confidence since his injury.

I don't know about anyone else, but 3 & 4 concern me more, carmont will look better next to Pat as I feel he is getting drawn all over being next to Goulding, Charnely & Roberts. I think the right centre needs addressing.

the last 15. Mins proved without any doubt sam needs to play at 6. Teams can stop him at 1 in at first receiver he can use his skills to open defenses he tore leeds to bits at first receiver.

centre is an issue for me, one that needs resolving quickly, and not with joel.

Agreed about Sam - 6 always (as long as someone tells him to lets others have a go with the ball - ie pass the thing sometimes), Joel can cover centre but is never a starting centre, that is a problem area.

Oh and Pat to FB - we need to be stronger defensively there.

And for me the one thing the last couple of games have shown is how good a player Paul Deacon is - how much have we missed him organising things.

I never thought I would be saying this but I think we miss Riddell @ 9, calming things down and organising from the play the ball.
I like sam at 1 coming up late and breaking the line, like slatter does like he did all last year we just dont look as slick with ball in hand this year.

Not sure on that. I thought he got better as the night went on and he'll always cause all sorts of problems in the position. Granted his defence needs work but that should come with experience.

If Maguire won't give Charnley a shot there then he's without doubt our best option at the minute.

the number of different players in different - and incorrect - positions this year has been startling!
we need to start settling down and forming parnerships...

starting with Sam & Finch at HB.
Finch WILL be quality once he is used to the game plan AND we have players runnning correct lines off him

Hi i am new to the site, but i would like to predict where the player's will go.

Sam Tomkins Should go back to number 6.
Deacon at 7.
Tommy At 9 With Mac Coming on From The Bench.

Finch And Mac on the bench.

Agree with all that bar Finch 'and' Mickey Mac on the bench. That would be a waste of a bench spot as we only need the one on there.

It's between Deacon and Finch for the 7 shirt for me and the rest should pick itself.

Yes agree i was thinking that when i read it again lol.