You're right to do so. If we didn't have a FB he'd be a great signing, or even if we were short on wingers; as it happens we're not.

I bet Lam plays him at 6 and doesn't split the halves. Even worse for French; Hastings likes to move in from the left; that's where French filled in for Williams last season.

We’ll find out the answer come pre season friendlies (of which there’s only one so far). As much as I’m excited for the new season, I’m also concerned.

That pretty much sums up how I feel. Interested to see what Lam does with our squad.

I think he knows exactly where he’s playing him to start 2020 but he’s not saying as of yet and why would he.

It was made clear when he signed that he’d have a totally different role in 2020 to 2019. He was viewed as a utility last year but I’m pretty sure Lam knows and has known for a while where he’ll be turning out come that Wire game.

Bigredwarrior likes this.

If I knew how to add a smilie thingy I’d add one here!!

I knew you'd see the funny side of it mate

Hastings doesn’t return to training till 2nd of January, he’ll have 2/3 weeks to try form a partnership with French and French isn’t a stand off, French should start at fullback and Hardaker at centre, I don’t particularly want Tommy at 7 but it’s the most logical move imo to start the season anyway

I wonder if the Lachlan Lam rumour will resurface? It seems Sammut is on his way; Woods and Mullen also off the cap; there could be room to bring in another signing before the season begins. We massively need to move Escare on. He’s a player who’s eating up cap space who’s not now considered a first team player. His salary plus others mentioned could be enough to bring in someone who can give our team other options.


I want to see the Hastings/French combo given a go. To see if can offer something new and exciting.
But the more I think about it I see a current FB who’s lost a crucial yard of pace and doesn’t link out wide and we have a lightening fast 6 who’s best used as a strike weapon out the back linking the play from FB.

Only issue is who plays in the halves with Hastings? Perhaps Smith can be given game time, but we’re missed a good half.

I wouldn’t want Tommy there all season but I’d have no problem with him starting in the halves early season. Starting ‘summer’ rugby in January can be tough, with freezing conditions and heavy pitches and you know Tommy won’t let you down when games are tight and attritional. I’d hope we’d have enough strike and creativity with French at fullback and Hastings in the halves to allow Tommy to just keep it simple. I’d spell him with Harry Smith (or spell Powell) to allow Smith the minutes to try and stake a claim for a starting spot later in the year.

I think Lam will play French and Hastings together though.

I think we’re still missing a half. Never particularly rated Tommy as a 7. Lacks creativity and literally has the worst kicking game I’ve ever seen in a professional half.
Solid in defence, and plays tough; but who in gods name sizes a 7 cos he can hit hard.

I’m gutted we could have worked something out with Sam Tomkins. When Tomkins lost his pace he should have been moved into the halves. He has a fantastic rugby brain; would have/still could make a great half.

Spot on. Sam was a good FB in his day but he was always a class HB. We’re feeling the effects of letting him go for sure