I know some people will say that the posters on here are not professional coaches but quite a few of us have been watching rugby for 60 years or more and we can spot a player who isn't trying. A hundred percent of posters agree Atoni does not deserve a place even in our weakest squad for years so why is Applegarth continuing to pick him?

To say he is not trying is just an emotional comment to me.
He isn't good enough. That's all.

I feel having the so called frank debates with some players would have been better served not prior to a game like Wigan away, maybe Leigh at home or Cas away. I just don’t get why now when the outcome is a foregone conclusion. It’s not if they win but by how many.

I've never felt us be so far away from the likelihood of a win as we are now. If we actually get somepoints on the board i'll be very surprised

Maybe he’s just trying Tao get enough reaction to avoid being nilled again

It's all about expectation isn't is.

People don't mind Kershaw or Hall making a mistake as they are just starting out and expectations are low.
But Taufua, Atoni and especially Proctor have NRL CVs where you expect more, and I assume are paid accordingly.

Taufua I think is putting 100% effort in but the very fact his highlights reel shows exceptional defense not attack shows he's not going the length.
Atoni I guess is more about his size. He should be able to bounce people around. I'm sure he's targeted because he's so big but he literally hits the floor on first contact. I did wonder whether he's trying for a quick ptb but it isn't working. He needs to get post contact metres and disrupt the line.
Proctor again has played at the highest level but his highlights reel shows immense work rate, great defense and tries getting on the end of a good pass. None breaking tackles though I'm sure he did. Take away his fitness and his NRL team mates and actually he's the same player as Pitts and Pitts is playing better. The only thing in his favour over Atoni is he looks like he's breaking his neck to be better and is ed off when he isn't, but at the moment, he isn't.

I’m sure Proctor was known for his strong runs out wide where he busts tackles….There’s a clip on YouTube showing Proctor hand off one of the biggest (and at the time possibly the best) full backs in the world Greg Inglis and sends him flying as he scores a try.

All in the past unfortunately. The guy is finished and like fools we are paying him a lot and getting nothing in return.

Can't agree PT. His whole attitude and "relaxed" disposition certainly shows a lack of interest and effort. Esah should be starting.

I don't think any rugby player doesn't try. They wouldn't be on the field.

But either way I'm not really sure which is worse.
I think we all agree it isn't good enough.

What about Jarrod Sammut??????

He was just weird. I take your point though.

I agree PT. It’s times like these we need quality statements.

Atoni is not good enough. Once can only speculate why he is being picked. And don’t tell me it’s just down to squad size.