If its been mentioned in other threads I apoligise, but cant remember a "Joe Mellor" thread myself, cant really see the point in posting "sick of hearing this", if you dont like it, dont reply.

I'm sick of hearing about rugby.

I'm still unsure about Mellor. No wanting to be negative but I think he's lost a bit of "zip" since his knee injury. I guess time will tell.

Iv heard you say this before Brian, I havn't seen too much of him if im honest but what I have seen he looks as good as, if not better than Sam was at that age, is it just a bit of pace he has lost or has his all round game dropped since the injury??

I think you guys should give Mellor a shot at 6 next to Finch, not the best at controlling the game but works the fringes well, can't half spot a gap and has fantastic support play!

I'm sick of not having any announcements...

I reckon we should give Mellor a go, but giving him the number 7 shirt would be a huge risk IMO.

Unless we can sign a top class half-back (very unlikely in the current market) then I think giving Mellor a chance is probably the best option (maybe giving Deacon another year to act as cover/mentor). There must come a time when he is given a chance to see what he can do.

It may be a risk, but as I said, if it isn't working we still have options.

Surely that was inevitable though? He still plays with heavy strapping on his knee so I doubt it's 100% after the injury and only time will tell whether he regains that 'zip'. The strapping itself might cause some issues. From what I've seen the injury has led to him working more on other aspects of his game like his passing and kicking and I think that might actually be a benefit to him in the long run.

If were looking at replacing Deacon with a like for like either of the 2 youngsters could come in and produce similar displays IMO. We've seen Deacs play a very self disciplined role these past couple of Years which has basically involved him getting as much quick ball as possible to Sam and guys on the outside of him. His defence has been suspect at points and I believe both Mellor and Powell are good in that area.

There seems no better time to bring a young half in then now. They will come in to a side with a spine of 1-Tomkins 6-Finch 9-Leuluai and 13- O'Loughlin.

Try it in another 12 months and there's ever chance Finch and Leuluai may be gone.

I very much like the idea of Sam back I to the halves (despite being a massive fan of his at fullback) and Matty russell playing full back. That would give us great pace all over the pitch.

I'm also not against the idea of charnley to centre and king in on the wing. That back line would be very explosive, and with finch (taking on a much bigger role as a a leader) leading it round the park I would be happy.

Spot on NK. Lomax and Gaskell have shown what can be achieved with game time. I'm not saying he'll be as good as them (who knows, he could be better), but there's only one way to find out.

It was not Saints plan to play these players as much as they did and in any case they did get the odd break in the season when more senior players were available.

There is also the chance they could experience the "2nd season syndrome" that commonly happens to young players who make an impact in their first long spell in the first team. Other teams will be analysing their play and next year will be harder for them.

So I think the idea we can just drop Mellor into a half back slot full time is putting far too much pressure on him and will backfire eventually.

The idea Deacs and him can share the role is also a non-starter either IMO as whenever Deacs plays the problems pointed out by W/L/A in his what we need to do to move forward thread will be back in the team.

The solution I prefer as you will know is to move Sam to 6 and find a full back which could even be Roberts now he has had his operation.

However how about this for a plan?

Sam to 6 Russell to 1. To give Russell a break, Sam to 1 Mellor to 6. To give Mellor a break Sam to 6 Russell back in the side to 1 and so on and so on.

Pace in all positions, two young players bloodied but not having to take the slots full time. Seems like an idea.

I agree with you he was at widnes lat year and he was prbably the best player there creating things, can read a game, good kicking game and also good support play.

I was of the opinion that he should have got some game time this year. Apparently Powell is just as good, if not better. They should both be allowed to compete for the shirt next season.

Any recruitment should be focused on Prop and Centre in my opinion. I'd also give Logan a shot at playing hooker off the bench, but that's just me.