I get the same impression. I agree he should be in before Mellars every time and perhaps he should've been used instead of Kirmond against Hull to rotate the squad a bit. However he is probably in a 3 way battle with Anakin and Trout for the bench spot (as Agar insists on starting Lauitiiti). I suspect he will be on his way back to HKR when his contract expires which would be a shame.

All things are relative. Mariano is not the payer some suggest however he's twice the player Mellars has so far shown himself to be and a hell of a lot cheaper.

I hate bagging players but Mellars is the one who bugs me because both you and I know he's on a huge wedge and is not offering value for it.

Not 100% if this is accurate but I heard that Mariano was unhappy at the club on Monday after the game.

I was unhappy on Monday after the game!

Many people were including me!

Players are always unhappy, they should try a proper job and see how they like it.

MAriano could be a cracking player I don't understand it here are the facts.

1. HE CAN MAKE BREAKS
2.HE IS QUICK AND STRONG TAKES 3 MEN TO TACKLE HIM
3.CAN OFFLOAD
4.CAN TACKLE
5.HES YOUNG

All I here is hes not the brightest he doesn't understand plays. Total rubbish Agar must be a bad coach if he can't teach him one on one. He could be a quality player.

Ok, yes, I now se you are just in a goading people in to an arguement mood.
If he was all those things with no flaw he would be playing for England.

He is probably the best runner of the ball interms of hitting a gap, there is no doubt.
His work rate isn't as good as it couldbe
Can't say I've seen his off load game that much.

Annakin is younger, is a better tackler and is a pretty good runner and improving all the time.
I wouldn't drop Kirmond or Washbrook for Mariano.
Ali is a unique player that has a place either starting or on the bench depending on your view.

So that doesn't leave much room.
There is nothing wrong with being the next in line. That is a valuable role in our team because an injury to one of the others would be a big hole without him.

But lastly, if he can't follow the plays or even just doesn't get on with Agar, he needs to work on that.
I'm pretty sure we have cleared up the issue of whether Agar is a good coach or not.

Seemed fine when I saw him but he isn't exactly the most excitable smiley bloke anyway.

Maybe 'can' and 'does' are the difference between getting a regular start and not?

Interesting thread this.

I know it's a crazy idea but how about trying Annakin at 13 if Washbrook has a rib injury? Then play Mariano and Lauitiiti at second row if Kirmo not fully fit against Wigan?

Heard the word fitness mentioned a few times previously with Mariano is he a good trainer? Is that an issue? no doubt about his strength, size, running lines and speed for a big man but what about his engine. His work rate sometimes may be an issue and some could argue he can go missing

Put Mellars on bench for second row and make him at least play for his money against Wigan.Did well against St.Helens didn't he?

We've nothing to lose, need to rotate the squad but also give em a bit of a game with some size in the pack and on the bench.

No hes not goading he really means it, sadly.

Agar had similar issues with Anakin last year and he's now a number one pick. If Mariano rolls his sleeves up I'm sure he will one day be the player NGBC thinks he is.

He should be stepping up a gear now. Being a good player last 10 mins each half isn't good enough

Ha ha you guys are unreal he wont be those things if he is rotting away. When we went on the amazing run last year it was kirmo and Ali starting mariano off the bench SIMPLE! Hes a very good player. Agar has got it wrong. Annakin been excellent haven't said anything about him. Would like to see him at loose forward.

If he was fully fit I think he would be in the team most weeks, but certainly was targeted at St. Helens by lomax who went past him three times for tries while frankie was left grasping fresh air.

Looks a bit big and slow at the moment, I don't think there is anything more to it than that.

I would expect to see him back before too long, in the meantime anakin is making himself very hard to leave out of the team.