Goulding has not played centre for us prior to this season for ages so I am not sure what you are referring to as to the good performances. The last time he was a regular in the side it was on the wing so how are any good performances there relevant? Micky Mac has a much longer track record in his correct position than Goulding so IMO this is Goulding's opportunity, and also his test, to see if he cam hack it at centre.

Well I was referring to the good performances in the rare games he's played at centre in the last couple of years as well as good performances a few years ago, I just didn't realise you were putting a time-scale on it.

So basically, you admit I have got a point.

I must say I was bitterly disappointed to see that when Lockers made the break in the secondhalf, we had zero players in support. I wouldn't say we're a team lacking pace out wide, but if there's a downside to playing Tommy and Finch in the halves it's their lack of pace and the knock on effect it has in the middle of the park.

We really could do with some pace in the middle, someone constantly providing support of the forwards and any half breaks or offloads they may provide. It's understandable that Sam doesn't fulfill this role as he's usually stood in the attacking line.

Well there you go. You answered your own question. Sam is in the wrong place.

Fair point, though Lockers is no slouch; he takes some catching when he's in his stride, it's not that surprising that no supporting player could catch up in time.

I know you believe that Dave. But at present Sam is the only viable option we have. Whether that changes down the line with the reintroduction of Amos, and blooding of Russel remains to be seen.


I must say Lockers did look a lot speedier than last season, no doubt due to the fact he's no longer carrying a hip injury. Still I was shocked that no one got near, even with him zigzagging across the pitch looking for support.

Support play is definitely an area that needs to be improved upon. At the moment our best support players are Faz and Tomkins but I don't think anyone else really stands out as having good support play.
Mellor or Russell would add another strong support player to the side and I'm pretty sure both will get a chance soon enough.

Well there is the thing. Shaun Edwards was one of the best support players ever to play the game and Sam is out of the same mould IMO. So apart from anything else I think our support play would be improved with Sam in the line more than he is at FB. I think 3 years down the line when it is likely Sam will leave we will all regret it if he has not made the transition from 1 to 6 (as Mr Edwards did) sooner rather than later.

I'll be honest and say your trying to steer clear of giving Lauaki praise. He was excellent tonight and nobody bar people who are willing him to fail could deny that imo. He just kept making Leeds get back in defence and caused them all end of problems imo.

I'll hold my hand up and say i'm willing him to do well but equally we shouldn't be willing him to fail...I think some people are tbh.

Really pleased for him tonight.

We always need a scapegoat @wigan and with Micky and Goulding putting in a really good perfermance, who's left?? Flower? Hansen? me? you?? and with Pryce gone. One needs to be found and quick!!

Thought no.18 did ok last night!

Glad that it came across so well! hard work paid off.