Wouldn't make a difference if our defensive pattern was better. Both centres have been exposed by our compressed defence in recent games. If you sort that, he'll miss very little in defence. His lack of pace in attack is negated by his handling skills and reading of the game, IMO.

I'm not pretending he's Matt Gidley or anything, but he's a better option at centre than you, and some others, give him credit for. And this season, he's been better than our so-called GB centre on the other side. And yet no one is calling for him to be moved.

Definitely deserves a new contract, he's a very important member of the squad.

on the nail

Well Said that man

Ding ding dingg

Top point about our defence. It has been found wanting a number of times because when we're compressed our centres find it hard to cover across against faster players. I noticed Saints didn't play compressed at all and mopped up everything we threw at them. Time for a change in that tactic too but doubt we'll get it.

Just to add some objectivity, where will he play next year if we extend his deal?

suppose it depends if we sign a centre, he wouldn't be first choice in the second row or at LF.

mainly at the KC

HTH

Whiting deserves a new contract more than any of our ooc players. He had terrible luck last season with injuries but he's come back stronger and he's one of the few players that gives his all every week. He reads the game brilliantly, he's defensively sound, he's a safe pair of hands, and he knows where the try line is. I also think it's highly benefited Calderwood, having Whiting inside him and I would be happy to see the two of them playing on the right side again next season tbh. The only criticism of his game is his speed, but tbf if that's the only weakness people can point out, then I think that speaks volumes of how good a player he is.

so we all agree whiting should be kept??? imo good centre but would best at loose man

Its the same old problem for me, he doesnt fit in the 17 anywhere when everyone is fit. And if some people are saying we get rid of G Horne etc to bring in some real quality then surely Whiting has to be held in that regard too?

But Whiting is a better centre than Graeme Horne, a better stand off and a better loose forward.

We are never going to have a fully fit 17. Whilst we don't need half a dozen utility players, Whiting would be ideal.

Whiting is a quality Utility player that we need....maybe one of two Utility players we need within the squad. I would like to see him at 13 next year and spell it with Washy.

If we retain Whiting there is no room in the squad for two of G Horne, Lee or Tony, taking into consideration Tansey will be with us.