Correct Dave.

Was speaking about this with my mate last night. Up until Hocks ban the team has been unbelievably dependant on that left hand side as showed by Ainscoughs 19 trys, Richards 16 trys and the likes of Carmont and Phelps chipping in with trys from that left hand side aswell.

If we then look at the right hand side before Hocks ban we had Roberts with about 5 trys, Gleeson with 2 and then the likes of Goulding and Pryce with possibly 2 trys between them.

Basically we were scoring 4 trys down the left for every one down the right side. Since the ban of Hock Roberts has scored in every game i think, Bailey had a couple at KR and Gleeson, Goulding and Pryce have all got on the scoresheet aswell. Luckily enough the left side has been going ok aswell but it's more of a 50/50 split now and thats great because we'd become too predictable.

I'm not saying we're better off without Hock because we cleary aren't but the players look to be learning to think for themselves and not just go into the mode of putting it out to Hock and hoping for the best.

We look alot more balanced.

Believe it or Not Dave I don't disagree too much with the above statement.

What I would say though is that for the last 1/2 dozen games despite what you say HE HAS been one of our Best players and totally justified his selection sine MM for me.

Possibly MOM for me last weekend at Bradford.

with Hock in the side when we throw the ball wide to the left 8/10 times the ball would go to Hock because he such a destructive runner. Opposition defences read the play with ease and put two or three players waiting for Hock to close the play down.

Now Hock is out of the side when we move the ball left it could go anywhere....and its working well cos both Carmont and Richards are seeing more ball.

Our left side has always been strong but at the moment its even stronger than it was before Hock got banned as its made the players have a bit of a think and change the way they play. Eventually opposition teams will start to read us a bit better.

I think its brilliant that both Gleeson and Roberts played so well on Sunday as we really need options going right as well as left.

So you believe that good centres and wingers should be able to gel effectively straight away then?

Careful before you answer this because I can recall another post in which you suggested the opposite and stressed the importance of allowing them time to do this.

So which is it?

we are a better team without Hock, heard a rumour that he was part of the problem at the club

Also DaveO whats your opinion on Pat Richards..he took a while to settle in as well.

The one that backs up his argument and whichever one he can use to rubbish Roberts & Riddell?

Am I Close?

Not to mention that overseas players should apparently be expected to play their best footy without so much as a second to adapt to a new climate, new preparations, new teammates, new instructions, loneliness with no family to support him etc etc.

But don't let any of that get in the way of the obsessive slating of Roberts and Riddell.

maybe if all overseas players where made to come over once our season has ended they would have more time to get used to their surroundings/weather/team etc, coming in Oct/Nov rather than the end of Dec begining of Jan would be better fro everoyne as a whole

Roberts family only came over about 4 months into the season.

First 4 months form- Average

Since Family has come over form- Very good

The guys mind looked elsewhere early on in the season and it's totally understandable. Since his family have moved over his form has improved hugely and he just looks alot more settled and confident.

same here.

I heard him, bailey and lockers had a bust up. Also heard in training he would turn up when he wanted and leave when he wanted.