i keep wondering if the reason Miller is not playing is related to the salary cap, if we offloaded him without him playing then we'd have his full salary available? assuming friendlies don't count that is. I am sure someone will know the rules on this.

That said, i would have played him from the start of the season to give him time

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At the moment I'm happy with our 1,6,7,13 in terms of organisation(set and play structure), basic core skills and play tempo. Yes one or two wrong options were taken but I still don't yet see the need to shake things up around these key positions. Rankin on the bench I like as both times he's come onto the field off of the bench I've been quite impressed. At the moment Miller needs to be patient and when the time comes grasp his opportunity with both hands.

Perspective required here. We've been as good, ball in hand, as I can recall in a long time. With a different ref, we win comfy away at Wire, we've nearly beaten the league leaders on their own patch, the reason we didn't was down to individual defensive mishaps around the ruck area. Why change the halves?

The only change i'd make is to make sure Whiting starts. He'll probably be propping this week!

I agree to an extent, but I personally think (in the halves at least) our current problem is that we're backing the wrong horse(s). Horne and Heremaia is actually the pairing that has had the most time, but IMO at least it has been shown as not good enough long term. What we see, and will continue to see, is a few games where we're on top and they look more cohesive (which probably comes from the fact that they have played together the most), and then closer games where they're just not enough. What we need to do is give Miller another chance behind the new pack with a halfback partner who is interested most of the time and stick with him for half a dozen games at least.

I'm a big fan of Heremaia, but at hooker, he's simply not a half. Moving him there just weakens both positions.

Lummy,agree with everything you just said,total overreaction to a defeat,that we should of won.Also Radders need's trust Ben Crooks and give him time to be the player I think he will become.
Same team as last week with Whiting starting.

Agree completely.

Great post, Heremia goes a good job at halfback for the odd game, but isn't the answer long term. I am not sure Miller is, but he needs to be given a chance and as you say with a better pack and a more attacking game plan I think we might see Miller have a good season.

Ben needs time correct, but he would be better playing on the left where his attacking skills are used, but thats Yeamo's ATM.

I think we looked dumb at halfback and hooker in the second half.

Not bashing Horney, but he has had some great first halves followed by an anonymous second half. Time to freshen up the halfbacks and either give Miller a go (and time to gel) or get rid.

Horney is not our future answer because of his age anyway.

Yeaman must stay in - what has he done wrong ????

Well, we've gone from tough choices to pretty much no choice, especially at prop.

All our forwards, except for Whiting, have looked good this year too, which makes it such a shame they're being hammered on the injury front and royally screwed by the judiciary.

1865 - "All our forwards, except for Whiting, have looked good this year too" - what planet are you on?

Whiting along with Westy was simply superb away at Saints, they bossed the game in that 1st half. He only got 25 mins at Wire and what an impact he had there. No coincidence we looked a far better team with him on the pitch. MOM v Catalans blah blah blah.....
Now, Tuson, what exactly has he given us, doesnt make many metres, am yet to see an offload, isnt involved in trys in any way and doesnt come out smelling of roses from the cas defeat in terms of defence.

But you single out Whiting for negativity!