Have we?

You dont then?

I don't think he has the physicality required to play regularly at 13. I don't think he could make 30+ tackles and 10+ hit-ups every game for a full season. He'd go well there (or in the second row) as an interchange player, but I can't see him being a regular starter. He should be in the 17 every week though, regardless of where he comes on.

For this season, I'd keep him at fullback (assuming Tony doesn't return) after tonight's showing. He doesn't have the pace to really make that spot his own, but he showed more than enough to suggest that he'll do a good job there.

Whiting did fantastic today at full back; i know it is always said but with an extra couple of yards of pace this guy could be world class

He has got to be starting week in week out; for me he needs to start at 6 with berrigan at 7 for the time being

Next season him and washbrook should be battling it out for the 13 shirt

No he can play at 6 or 13. Paul Cooke has no more pace than Rich Whiting. Paul Cooke doesn't make 30+ tackles and 10+ hit ups. Rich Whiting has in the past 'owned' bigger more powerful centres despite not being a centre. The fact is he is a better footballer than Thorman, R Horne, Tony and clearly has more skill than Radford Tickle et al who have played at 13. So 6/13 whatever the guy needs to be given a role where he can make defences start thinking and making decisions like he did today against one of the league's better defences. Don't complicate the issue. He came on at FB (where he is less effective) and helped to transform our attacking options. That was demonstrable today to anyone watching. The guy should be given a pivotal ball playing role. Forget tackles and hit-ups - let's start asking questions of the opposition instead of grafting our way down the middle.

But but but.... he's from Hull...BLASPHEMER!

Burn him!

Whiting could easily fill the gap left by Paul Crooke.
He's got a good range of passing, a great rugby brain, & is ideally suited to play 6 or 13. Plus he's got a good attitude.
I'd like to see him given a position that suits his game & let him have an exended run.
Let's hope we get him signed up soon.

Spot on with many of your points Staffs FC.
Now forgive me if I rant but I have just nicely got home from the pub.
We have seen over the years our beautiful game stifled in my opinion by the Australian influence. Geniuses who could play off the cuff like Tony Dean, Knocker Norton, and Mick Crane, have been squeezed out of our game by worshipping at the alter of defence and sticking to the game plan.
Now back to Richard Whiting. We have a little gem here that has a great footballing brain, can read the game, and get it by the scruff of its neck and change it like we saw tonight.
Richard does not want to be stuck in the centres. Come on Richard Agar take a chance, give him a free reign at say loose or stand off. I dont think he will let you down.
I thank you and good night.

What a fookin post!

He can. I'd much rather see him at 6 than 13, but he can play both. At 6, would you leave Horne out? At 13, I don't think Whiting is able to do the main part of the role for the length of time required. We could go swapping our 13s during the game, but Washbrook is more than capable of putting 80 minutes in every week and can perform every part of the role. So, I just can't see how Whiting will hold down a place at 13.



And Paul Cooke's never played a game at loose in his 'adult' life.



He has. When he's had to make 5 or 6 tackles a game against bigger, more physical players, he's been fine. I'm not disputing that.



I'm not sure how much fact is in there. He's obviously got more skill than Radford and is obviously much better than Thorman. He plays a completely different role to Horne, Tony and Tickle, so I'm not sure what good a comparison will do, but anyway

What is 'the issue' and where have I complicated it? Pointing out reasons why someone couldn't play a role that others are advocating he plays isn't complicating anything, it's a basic tenet of deciding on the best course of action.



I've said as much. It further confirms what I've always said a fullback should be able to provide. You won't ever get a more obvious example than tonight's game with the 'safe' Horne providing nothing and Whiting providing much more, with a willingness to take the ball up strongly and the ability to link into the line and provide another option. He's not the running threat that we could do with in that position, but he provides good enough cover, on tonight's evidence, to play that role for the present.



Forget tackles and hit-ups for our 13? No thanks, I won't be doing that.

Staffs FC wrote: Rich Whiting has in the past 'owned' bigger more powerful centres despite not being a centre.


He has. When he's had to make 5 or 6 tackles a game against bigger, more physical players, he's been fine. I'm not disputing that.


Vanikola twice in one game that resulted in 'Our Les' bangin the floor in frustration?

Yes. Your point?