Nice problem to have really. When you think that, a couple of seasons ago, the problems came whenever any one of our first 13 got hurt and it was a case of "bloody hell, who's gonna fill in for him?"

I think, similar to the situation with Ainscough, its whether to have an Aussie in over a Young player. But unlike Richards being ahead of Ainscough I think it is McIlorum who has the better of Riddell at the moment and deserves his place. To outplay Cunningham and Roby is definately no small achievement and deserves its rewards until he starts putting the bad performances in. Sorry Riddell, I can see you sitting out the next few atleast.

Tough call. We may see Sam sit a few games out I think.

Don't be such a prat. The thread was started by someone having a ironic pop at people who said Noble would pick Aussies over UK players. As I said I think the irony is the example he picked to do this was hooker where for the past few weeks McIllorum has often been labelled as the inevitable casualty due to not being good enough as we ought to be going for a Piggy/TL hooking partnership. Now unless you think this didn't happen WTF are you on about now? It's OK for the o/p to start a thread having a pop at people with one point if view but not allowed for others to have a similar pop at people who wrote McIllorum off?

Some of us have consistently pointed out in all the games he has played this season McIllorum has played well. He has played very well in the last two games so the fact I and others were not so quick to write him off just might mean we do know a little bit about RL hookers.

Dave

Mathers?

Once again you come across like an arrogant know it with some kind of special knowledge of all things.

I am not concerned with what did or didnt happen regarding hookers. I never could decide what the best combination was and have always been a fan of McIllorum but thats not to say im writing Riddell off as you seemed to do as soon as you knew he had taken your Mickys place.

WTF i am on about is the way you always have to come on and claim a victory and point out how you was right. You never seem to be so sharp on the keys when you are wrong and instead go into hiding or just not reply when somebody proves you wrong in a thread.

The way you said 'you all know who you are!' is typical of your obnoxious 'i am always right,you are always wrong' attitude.

I'm glad to see that the sqaud was un-changed and hope he does the same again next week.

As I've mentioned before, both McIlorum and Riddell are typical starting, solid number 9's and IMO it's one or the other. The main difference between the two is McIlorum is much fitter and is taking the line on, and he is doing it very well.

For those reasons, he must continue to start and Riddell should IMO have a spell in the reserves as fellow first team ''regulars'' such as Roberts, Smith and Hansen have done.

Pot, Kettle, Black.

He seems like a nice fella, Riddell, but his fitness is evidently poor. Whether this is due to injury or because, like so many of his countrymen, he came here thinking it would be a doddle and instead has found that he's way off the pace, I don't know.

I suspect that he won't be selected for a good couple of weeks now, and with luck will put his fitness right as a matter of urgency.

Kudos to Noble for not picking him ahead of the in form McIlorum. I think that surprised a few of us, pleasantly.

Looking at both this year i don't honestky think Riddells distribution is as good as McIlorums. His passing in general play once he's moved away from dummy half might be better but i've been really impressed with MM passing from the floor in the past 2 weeks, it's been crisp and accurate.

As for the rest of their games McILorums defence is better but Riddells more likely to make you a break or get you a try.

Like you said over to Noble i suppose but it's a great problem to have. I really do think it's got to be one or the other at the moment though as you can't leave out Smith or Sam.

Tell you what, how good is it to have players competing for places all over the park?

Riddell is unquestionably the better 9 of the two but the last two games Micky has played a better game at hooker than Riddell all season so unfortunatly Riddell has to miss out for a few weeks and hopefully get his fitness where it needs to be.

I think Sam Tomkins is overdue a rest week (he was only supposed to play 10-15 games this year) so Riddell will get his chance over the next couple of games if he is fit IMO.

A very short sighted statement in my opinion by the club at the time.

Short sighted or not a rest week will be to his benefit.

Too big a game this week or next to rest a lad thats become quite an important part of the side.

His rest week/s should come against Salford at home in the league and/or Celtic away the following week.

Ainscough should be brought back in for the same games also to keep him in and around the squad.

Rest him!!!
From what I have seen of him on TV he looks a good prospect(even though stevo says he is too thin )