I have for a long time said that Lockers is over-rated. I still think he was a few years ago. I am delighted to say though that he has improved considerably as of late. He has cut (most) of the stupid mistakes from his game and has become a very solid player for us now.

I also think that the "burden" of the captaincy was too much for him when he was younger. The sharing of the responsibility last year clearly helped his game and this year he looks much more comfortable as captain.

The Hoff looks like a fantastic signing in the David Furner mold.

I can't help but think we're overhyping Lima a bit too much. Let him find his feet and knock a few teams about before you start talking about him dominating the second best prop in the comp

I expect Lima to show us what he is made of on friday! Huge atmosphere in a massive game, there is no better time.

He has made a good start and I have no doubt he will improve.

for me Lima s getting all the wrong balls , standing start balls,flat balls etc

Morley will bury him

I think alot of people just look at total metres made when it comes to props and it obviously plays a huge part but due to sides playing with different tactics in regards to their props it's not the be all and end all imo. If you look at someone like Mossop or Prescott for us their metres per carry stats are probably better illustrations of what they're bringing to the side because we rotate between 4 props and all of them seem to get pretty equal amounts of gametime. If you compare their gametime to that of Graham or Lynch for example it's not as high and therefore their total metres are way less but i'd guess their metre per carry stats staxk up pretty well.

I think your right about guys like Clough, Prescott, Mossop etc. They all get the job done with the minimum of fuss and play huge roles in their sides without getting the plaudits.

Spot on with that. I think Prescott and Mossop are now getting the plaudits though.

Aw look, it is a result of the hard work the have put into training and they are now getting the rewards of that hard work, they have set standards for themselves and they are looking to improve week by week

Quote The Punisher="The Punisher"Our most effective prop so far this season has been Paul Wood, his stats against Morley and Carvell are very impressive. www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2011'" Ah, another good Wigan lad

Quote The Punisher="The Punisher"Our most effective prop so far this season has been Paul Wood, his stats against Morley and Carvell are very impressive. www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2011'" Ah, another good Wigan lad

One thing I'd like to see added to the published stats is "minutes played". Few, if any, of the sources mention them.

quite right



lima has played less than a handfull of SL games and we are already expecting him to match up to a Man of Steel winner and English League Legend!

i'd be more than happy if he put up as good as he gets against anyone to be honest, i wasn't too impressed with Lima to be honest last time out against hudds although i don't think he had much game time either?

if we look at hoffman, he's just managed to adapt fantastically and thats one of those things. some gel instantly and some need time. i'm sure as the season goes on Lima will show us he is worth the signature. but saying that i can't really comment on him "not doing very well so far" as like i say - none of us have seen too much of him as yet.

Give the big guy a break,its not the first time we've seen an overseas player come over and struggle for the first few months or even a full season.what makes it look worse has been the impact that Hoffman has had at the start of the season.
Lets not judge him off just 4 games,we all know that he is a quality prop or Madge wouldn't have bought him,so lets all be patient and give the guy some time to find his feet.

When he takes the ball in does he stop waiting for the tackle?
Is he dropping the ball?
Is he in hiding when the opposition props are coming down the middle?
Is he continually giving penalties away because he's too laboured getting away from the tackle?

If you can answer yes to most or all of the above then carry on whinging, if it's a no then let him carry on finding his feet in a different country with a different style of game.