Have to agree fella. Blanch has served us well, but has struggled to hold his own this season in a poor team. He'll do okay for Catalans after a full season behind him

Blanch going - not the end of the work I suppose. Not been the same since his op in my opinion, and for a guy with little else to his game than straight line spead and power you are always going to struggle when you lose your pace.

For me its a toss up between taking a gamble on blanch getting back to fitness or taking a gamble on somebody like Penny. Time will tell I suppose, lets hope Kear has made the right call.

Did Blanch’s operation involve removing his ability to defend?

Half of the squad must have had the same op.

Blanch 2008 v Blanch 2010 stats.... Almost 1 try per game in 2008 redresses the balance somewhat so you can probably forgive the defensive frailties to a degree.

The one leaping out is errors.

For the first reason I am sorry to see him go, but because of the second, I'm probably ok with it.

got his quota of tries but this season has been a liability

For all his defensive sins he was our leading try scorer and one of our leading meter makers in what was a poor season all round. Not got much of a problem with him leaving provided he's replaced by someone of superior quality. Not sure Ricki Sheriffe fits the bill.

Out of interest, as he had a year left on his contract did we receive any compensation for him?

Dont worry, Sheriffe wont be playing for wakefield next season

your not wrong m8 was going to keep things to my self but what l was told about wakefield and the coaches on sat would make you scream... john kears end of season investigation was last week and lets just say he was told where things where going wrong and things that could be done and he all but said it was rubbish and that they can not play like that and there gonna play like he wants which in no uncertain terms to my friend made him believe that he does'nt know how to coach these things n players, and that the players them selfs are fed up with it and him.... dressing room gone................................... not going to name names but it gave me little hope if any for next year

Based on the way we played working to Kears gameplan tells me who is likely to be right on this one

1 for instance was our attack with out saying to much playing out of our 60s in other words our 40 he said we where in capable and that it would be 1 man drives into opp half then attack how can we be incapable there pros he's supposed to be able to coach it... wish l could say more but

Dont count your chickens on Wheeldon...