Agree with Weaver, the focus should be on Shaul improving his handling.

Using the LF as a third pivot is a thing of the past really, and the position has evolved rightly or wrongly into a position that requires a big engine, a big defensive workload and driving the ball in when required. There are obvious examples knocking around of LF's who can be an extra pivot, but they also have those other requirements in their armoury, which I'm not sure Abdull has yet.

Cas are a prime example. They don't use the LF has a pivot and they have the best attack in the league right now. What they do use is a pivot out of fullback (as well as skilful forwards able to play at the line). Look at how Hardaker's handling and timing has improved in just an offseason and a couple of games. In 2015 in Leeds' treble year he assisted 6 times. Two games in for Cas and he's already at 4 assists. That's the sort of impact we need from Shaul.

But as you say Leeds won the treble with Hardaker playing as an off the shoulder supporting FB and Sinfield at 13. He was a great ball playing LF / 6

Agreed, I think he has the potential to be a real star.

Teams do not just need pivots they need good pivots. A good pivot will be effective whatever position he is playing. Comparing Hardaker's performances at Leeds and Castleford is pointless when he is now playing a different role admittedly in the same position. Having the full back as a pivot is the flavour of the month but only works if the player can fulfil the role. Some enterprising coach will come up with a new approach which if is in any way successful other teams will rush to copy. Using a ball handling 13 as Sheens is happy to do is not wrong just because the majority of coaches seem to just want another battering ram.

Don't like agreeing with a dobbin but he is right. The secret to success is highlighting a player's strengths (and hiding their weaknesses) so if your full back is a better support player than a pivot use that as their primary role and get your pivot from elsewhere. Forcing players into roles they are uncomfortable with or not particularly suited to is not maximising the efficiency of a team.

Indeed. If we had our 2005 team we still would have Cooke as third pivot on the left.

If Abdull develops into the next Seinfeld and Kelly has a good season I'd expect to see them both in the side regardless of Shaul's passing ability.

m.hulldailymail.co.uk/jordan-abd ... story.html

m.hulldailymail.co.uk/jordan-abd ... story.html

If he has just signed a 3 year contract, why would he say he will access his options at the end of the year.

I don't think he will come back, I just get that feeling from the way he talks, I'd like to see him given a go at LF next season for us.

Why do you think he won't return? You said yourself he's just signed a three year contract. His chances are limited at FC, he's on a season long loan, to get experience and most of all, the fitness that everyone on here carps on about. If at the end of the year, Radford doesn't require his skills then he will have to "access his options"

Nothing more than a hunch, I honestly hope I'm wrong and he is back with us this year, mixed reviews about him from Rovers fans playing 6, so think we need to use him at 13

Me too, as posted earlier in the thread.

Has he signed a 3 year deal though?
Were any details of this reported ? Seems a strange article for a player who is on loan , with a view to return?

There has never been any mention of a new contract after the old one ended in November 2016.

My guess is that it's a 1 year contract (immediately out on loan), with an option in our favour to renew it at the end of this season.

Hence his comment that he hopes options (plural) will be on the table (more than just one from rovers').

He did get another 1 year deal, my bad.