I accept he may not be at a SL club, and i aren't suggesting for a NGB4C-minute that he is a super dooper half back mega star, but he has a kicking game which we are lacking and he had no less skill than is being shown presently.
A bad decision to let him go?

Sykes and Smith worked PERFECTLY well today imo. Sykes took some responsibility off Smith, allowing Smith to pass the ball when he wanted, attack the line when he wanted, etc. Fair play to Sykes, I was a little worried when I first saw it! But well done nevertheless.

Aye, that was an option that no one on here suggested, but it worked well; Smith seemed to be more composed and played with more confidence.

Be interesting to see what happens next week.

Agar called it, against all expectations, and it worked.

It was a rough-and-ready option, so should get better with practice. Now that he's called it, he should stick to it for the next few games, at least.

Tbh Sykes rather like Agar arrived with a tarnished reputation. Sykes gained his when picked for GB when he wasn't good enough and then played out of position. I wasn't keen I have to say.

What I had forgotten is that he has played a lot at S/O and was playing there when he left the Bulls and playing well according to them.

I had him down as a Centre who was mainly there to kick goals. As it happens he's a decent S/O. Along with Cockayne, Mathers and Raliegh he's proving to be one of the surprise signings.

Before people bag John as a waste of time, Sykes has years of experience over him - and the Sykes of aged 22 was no better - it takes time and Sykes may be the player who has given us that breathing space.

Id like to point you in the direction of the 2nd comment in the "Time for change" topic on page 2.

Me and Haribo Rich are on the same wavelength