We do indeed have a Houghton, who can if forced do 80 mins, unfortunately players get injuries..Do you believe Washy could play 80 mins at hooker, a role he has never played. His size is not the issue, his ability is.

The problem is that Washy has gone backwards since he first came on the scene. I appreciate that he's had a difficult time with being played out of position and injuries, but that's not a unique experience at FC in recent years. He also gives away far too many stupid penalties.

I really hope he makes a go of his new role because, as you say, he's unlikely to get a shot at his preferred position of LF and I would imagine he needs a good season to be offered a new contract.

Couldn't agree more to the bit in bold, was only thinking this after watching yesterdays game.

If Washy was a fine player he would have held down a place in the team in whatever his preferred position is. If a club has a top notch player at their disposal then ultimately that player stamps their authority on the team and the position is theirs. Washy hasn't done that, has never been touted for international honours, and as such may well be a decent pro but no better than that. Nothing against the lad but wherever he has played there have been better players in front of him. I hope he makes a go at hooker but if he doesn't it will be because he's not good enough - not because he's been moved around or been picked on by the fans. If you're really good enough you make the position yours.

He is a fine player, agreed, but one of the 2 real weaknesses he has always had in his game IMO is his inability to pass the ball quickly and accurately (and in both directions). It always seems to be one or the other, and that is a massive problem at dummy half. Judging from the radio commentary and a few comments on here, it was an issue a few times yesterday as feared, and will only be further highlighted against the faster teams in SL if it does not improve.

Hopefully a larger proportion of his training will now consist of him just repeatedly throwing a ball until it gets better, and combined with playing the position regularly will give him a fighting chance.

It's not about wanting to knock the kid, but it may be that our pressing need for another hooker means we're trying to shoehorn him into a position which will highlight his weaknesses and put extra pressure on him.

news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 372290.stm moa injury nothing serious

news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 372290.stm moa injury nothing serious

A fair post, along with Kosh and a few other who responded. I have always liked Washy and never saw him as a 9 but that is not to say he can't make a go of it.

What I don't understand is the constant need to get rid, if he is not on a big wage then why not keep him. He can cover a few positions, is non quota, has the club running through him and is a very useful squad player who imo still has the ability to improve.

I agree I wouldn't necessarily just get rid. Whilst it does seem as though Westerman will be our future loose man, Washbrook is a decent and probably relatively inexpensive backup/alternative. Although there's an argument to then be made that perhaps there's only really room in the squad for one out of him and Turner.

Spot on that, Paul.

I see Turner as backs cover and Washbrook as forwards cover tbh.

When Washy signed his last contract in 2008 on a 3 year deal, his stock was probably the highest it's been in his career (most people on here were bricking it at the thought of him going elsewhere) so I'd think he'll be on a fair wedge. Don't know whether he'd want or need to take a cut but as a very experienced British allrounder I'm sure he'd get a reasonable deal at, say, Cas next season.

not far wrong there Paul, the lad is a decent fella too , honest, hard working and very well liked so he wasnt going anywhere and he will do a job

I see Washy as a similar player to Shane McMenemy. A good ball handling forward who can tackle above his weight. Shane, to my knowledge was never asked to play in the halves or at hooker. His Hull FC legacy might not be so great if he had. I hope to see Washy playing most of this season as cover in the back row where he is undoubtably at his best. When Shane was here there were several other ball handling back rowers at the club but he still saw plenty of game time.

Very good shout Zaphod.