Quote PopTart="PopTart"But he's been our starting number 1 for at least 2 seasons.
The only time he didn't play there was when we needed him at stand off.
When Grix was here he was the better option. Max had more to learn which he has done.
When Hampshire was at full back, we were all very divided. It wasn't a given for either of them.
Walker wasn't signed to replace Max. He was signed because Hampshire wasn't signing a contract. We needed more than 1.
Max has been outstanding in my opinion but even tonight he has made mistakes. He isn't perfect so it isn't just a case that he should keep his shirt no matter what but right now he is the better option and I hope for years to come.
Hampshire was OK tonight but I think Miler would have been better and should come back when fit.'"
You're wasting your time PT, Max has become a cause celeb for some so fact has gone out of the window.
1: He's clearly first choice FB and I see no evidence where CC suggests others wise.
2: Talk of a new FB is almost certainly aimed at the more obvious need of replacing Walker. Why people think we need only one FB baffles me, but then they are probably the same people who will complain as to why we don't have one if Max gets injured. Out of all the Max arguments, this is the most bizarre.
3: Some players are constantly under the microscope and seem to have to prove themselves every week, I actually agree with this. Yet some don't and Max seems to be one. What should matter is how Max is performing but what seems to matter is some alleged historical injustice that now means Ma should be an automatic choice. Well, Max was lucky to keep his spot after the Cas game, that was a poor effort in a big game from a player who should want to be at his best against the said team. However, to Max credit, he played very well yesterday and has probably won back the belief of his coach.
This is how it works, you're only as good as your last few games. This applies to all players, for me, Mason and to a lesser degree Fifita are very much under the microscope at the moment
It's funny how all fans moan about alleged favouritism unless it's their favourite and then they get all defensive.
I see no evidence to suggest Max has been treated unfairly at any point in his career. He's been left out when personally I thought he should have been picked but that just my opinion, the coach has the final say, that's why he's coach. I certainly cannot think of a single game Max has not played at FB that would have been altered had he done so.
People need to accept that Max is a decent SL FB who is a good fit for us at the moment. He isn't the star they hoped and probably never will be CC or no CC, he has too many deficiencies in his game. He's nearly 25 and has played almost 100 games, he's probably as good as he's ever likely to be but you never know for certain. I hope he proves me wrong but if he doesn't then I won't be blaming Chester, I'd say he's given Max a fair shout and will continue to do so, so long as Max responds as he did last night.