Not quite sure how this kid has gone from hero to zero in a year, but I thought APs policy was to bring through the youth. Ben has had some issues this season and ended up on the naughty step, yet it seems increasingly likely that we will no longer require his services next year. Personally I think in a couple of years he could be one of the best centres in SL and it seems rather silly to let him go.

Are we prepared to pay top money while we wait for 'a couple of years' for him to mature?

Subject has been done to death, but he's contracted for the next two years so if he's to leave it would be right to demand a fee.

Swap him for Hock?

He WILL bite us in the , infact i hope he does. The club has done no favours on this one. And before the apologists come out to play, its about the fact the club are silent on it. Even AP's letter to me refers to the young players of Snyed and Rankin. and no others.

Why couldnt the club just come out and comment? didnt stop them commenting on Seymour

No thank you, I'd hope Watts would not be influenced by Hock, but lets not take the chance eh?

As for spending $$ on "waiting for him to mature"

instead lets spend top $$ on a 2 year deal on a Aussie then

It's a salary cap sport, value for money is the most important thing. If he doesn't want to help himself then him off, sometimes you just have to realise that maybe the club has done all it can and it's the player? Similar to Brough all those years ago.

Give Watts some credit.

I'd still like the club to say something. The silence creates this internet rabble

What if it went all quiet, and next season Crooks was given the number 4 shirt, started first game 10kg heavier, scored 3 tries and 6 goals and pulled a rovers scarf out of his pocket and set fire to it?

Man of steel and lifetime contract then

No he wont. He's not as good as he thinks he is.

Why do you think he went out on loan to a lower league club. Defensively he's a liability and he relied on Lineham too much.

Personally I think too much is made of this. Its not as though he misses every tackle. As for relying on Lineham, its a team sport, I'd hope he would rely on the other 11 on the pitch along with his winger.

We have an older version of Crooks in Arundel..& hes not upto much either..we need to sell Crooks to make a few quid & space on the cap..funny how all other SL clubs no hes heading out the door..yet none of them are getting their cheque books out..very average player imo.

We have an older version of Crooks in Arundel..& hes not upto much either..we need to sell Crooks to make a few quid & space on the cap..funny how all other SL clubs no hes heading out the door..yet none of them are getting their cheque books out..very average player imo.

This is true.

Sometimes he's so far out of position he doesn't even get a chance to attempt one.

Strangely I don't recall anyone describing him as very average or a defensive liability last season.

You have a selective memory if you don't recall concerns expressed about his physique and defensive weakness last season.

You're correct about the 'average' nonsense though. He has bags of potential and could be a top centre with a little application and the ability to take advice.