Thats the call isnt it? The safe option will win us nothing but to gamble on a youngster may well be the a worthwhile one.

Agree that Crooks is at least a year off and Lineham could be that gamble.

Currently the two hottest properties in SL?

They're certainly a very exciting pair who look like they're enjoying their time at the club and aren't a pair of prima donnas.

Tom needs to develop a bit of taste though and get off the Special Brew.

I wouldn't swap them for anyone in SL but this year is too early for me.

These 2 are future legends... Very good young players that we have to hold down to long deals; out shining Yeamo and Briscoe at the present time.

Long contracts a must for these two definately England material in the future but even PG said in his interview on friday night that they're doing well but make mistakes which they'll learn from so at the mo too early for international call up methinks. Another season or so under PG's tuition and we'll have a world class pairing out on the right !!

Really stepped up and played well thanks to injuries to Arundel and Crookes. Judging on their form you wouldn't think Lineham and Crooks are our back up centre and wingers. The thing is about an England call up is that the squad has never been picked on form since GB back in early 2000's. players such as Sinfield, Peacock, Wilkin and others will all feature because of their name. I can pick several players that have been far better this year.

Fatnamara picks who Hetherington tells him to, it's been clear since his appointment.

Peacock's retired but I reckon he's still not far away from being England quality anyway, Sinfield is captain and plays 6 for the Champions, there aren't many (if any) better, even if he isn't in great form, and Wilkin won't play unless there are a few injuries.

People have this idea of McNamara but he hasn't done a lot wrong as England coach in the past 2 years or so, and is doing a much better job than Noble and Tony Smith did IMO.

England Knights. Future internationals for sure.

One thing I am pleased to see in Lineham's play is his willingness to learn from mistakes. After Hall scored his try last weekend, Lineham seemed to make his mind up that he wouldn't be outjumped again. That to me makes the difference between a good player and a great player

Exactly what I was thinking.

Craig Hall's try, whilst a fantastic bit of skill to take it, should never have been allowed to happen had Lineham done, well... something! He wasn't sure if he wanted to take the ball so didn't jump and wanted to watch it go out, but forgot to turn around and look to see if someone was there!
Next set, ball goes to that corner again, fantastic two-handed catch! And did the same with other Hall (Ryan) this weekend.

That skill (jumping and catching the ball with arms outstretched whilst under pressure) is EXTREMELY difficult. It's something that Pat Richards as managed to master and it's how he scores a great chunk of his tries. As good a defensive tool to have, if utilised right Tom could be scoring a shed load of tries in that corner if Holdworth can master the cross field kick to him! Very exciting times!

While on the topic of Crooks n Lineham surely they must be in the running for young player of the year along with liam farell at wigan.
Who was the last player to win player of the year or young player from Hull anyone ? (if not sl then the top league)

Good summary by Neil Barraclough in his "5 things we learned this week" blogthen Lineham showed maturity beyond his years and Crooks blasted on the afterburners for Hull's second score. Afterwards Peter Gentle labelled the pair “pretty special kids”. Few would disagree."

Like that description

Whiting