Looks like Karl Pryce will probably play then.

Instead of comparing Sam to Richard Horne, why not compare him to Edwards or Lockyer? Both who were played at FB when starting out?? Then moved up to 6 when older, more experienced and ready?

Tomkins should not play Full-Back. Simple as. Lockyer and Edwards are different people, with totally different attributes, yes there all played well at FB then moved to the Half-Back area. But no way, we need to either buy or produce a guy for that the FB position, Tomkins as to stay at the Number 7 spot, next year the new 6 and him and Tommy all playing the triangle. Mid-season signing next year a FB, when it’s finally realised we do need a good one, not someone that is average in that area.

B. Anasta played at FB for Roosters at the weekend, played sh ! Te.

I’d rather see Ainscough in the FB spot, if the attacking team puts the bomb put from 30-40metres out, we’ll pretty much screwed anyway whether Richards/Phelps or Roberts are playing FB running round like headless chickens as the ball comes down, so for that, I’d much prefer to see Ainscough, collecting the ball on the try line and running at the line, tackle busting/ clean breaking for fun!! More chance of going from our end to theirs, with Ainsy, compared to Phelps/Richards and Roberts, who have all played there and how often do they beat the first man?

Cameron Phelps
Amos Roberts
Martin Gleeson
George Carmont
Pat Richards
Sam Tomkins
Thomas Leuluai
Andy Coley
Mark Riddell
Paul Prescott
Harrison Hansen
Phil Bailey
Sean O'Loughlin

Joel Tomkins
Michael McIlorum
Iafeta Paleaaesina
Gareth Hock

Changed slightly from my other line-up after thinking like a Noble

4 Second Rowers for me

I cant help but be disapointed that Ainscough is out the team , i know its not the fashionable view at the minute but there is no way karl pryce should be ahead of him. Jobs for the boys without a doubt.

I'm on about next year. The next Rob Burrows comes to mind with Tomkins, if only he'd be first reciever, next year once he's gained the experience, ducking and dipping under tackles. Taking the line on.

Nothing like Burrow. Tomkins doesn't play anything like him. He plays more like a young Shaun Edwards. Sam needs a quality 7 to play off and learn from, like Edwards had Greg.
You talk about not wanting to move him to FB but why move him from 6 to 7 when after watching him play he's clearly not a 7.
He's more like McGuire than Burrow, running off the 1st receiver as a second receiver, play to his strengths.


I would like to see Sam as a 6, but if you read my above post you'll see why I putting him at FB is a smart move.

You'd be happy with Orford then?

To me a partnership of Sam and Orford could work very well. Orford can do the kicking and organising and Sam can just play abit of a free role with a licence to just play his own game.

I worry about Orfords age a little and the fact that he's likely to only do 2 seasons over here but if it's going to push the team forward i'm all for it.

I think Orford would slot in very nicely and Sam would benefit 10 fold from the experience and knowledge of a top 7 like Orford.
Orford as the first receiver with Sam running off him as second receiver running with pace would work very well. Similar to if we signed Sean Long.

If Long would have never have left you could see the natural progression in the halves...

Edwards to Long to Tomkins. Think of the cr@p we've had in our halves since Long's been at Saints. And also imagine a Wigan team with Barrett and Long at 6 and 7, would have been awesome.

If that was the case wouldn't Pryce have played last week?

, and as this is cup rugby he's going for the safer option in pryce. Who also has been one of the stand out players in the reserves (still without looking like he's trying)......

Phelps
Richards, Carmont, Gleeson, Roberts
Sam, Leuluai
Coley, McIlorum, Prescott
Hansen, Bailey
Lockers

Riddell, Hock, Tuson, Feka