But preconceptions nonetheless. Especially as you have no idea how good or bad Ellis is going to play in SL. And one is a 6 while the other is a 7.

which is why I said it's what I want/hope to see, not expect.

what about swapping both wingers around? Hall has played on the left for Leeds all season but has done a great job for England on the right. Yeaman might help Sharp defensive, and people moan about him not passing to Briscoe enough. Briscoe might get more opportunities on the right. Its just a thought.

I hope this will be Gentle,

As he knows relatively little about the players I don't think he will favour Horne in a way the previous regime did,

It is easy to imagine Kath et al placing pressure to play Horne over other players

remember Horne was McRae's chosen one

Thought Seymour had played a fair bit at 6? Could he just shift there if Ellis played? Either way, Horne is likely to be far better playing alongside a recognised halfback, so I reckon it's too early to write him off just yet.

What actual evidence do you have that Horne was done any favours and/or played against the wishes of the various coaches?

Just because something doesn't coincide with your wishes or opinion doesn't [inecessarily[/i make it wrong or some sort of fit-up.

what evidence do you have that he wasn't?

just because you're a moderator doesn't [inecessarily[/i make your opinion more valid.

IIRC you're right about Seymour, and that would indeed be an option if Horne doesn't hack it. I was just questioning the suggested straight swap of Ellis for Horne.

I think you're right also about Horne playing alongside a (hopefully) settled and experienced halfback partner. And if for any reason he doesn't step up to the mark we have a number of options. It just amuses me that so many people are ready to bin him without even waiting to see how he - or indeed any of his rivals for the spot - shapes up next season.

You want me to prove a negative?

Since I have been back watching the team Horne's been the only recognized #6 we had so how you can say he has been done favours is beyond me. We have had no alternative but to play him there, even if he wasn't 100% fit.

I was more referring to how we never seemed to be looking for another 6 regardless of how Horne played, and how sentimentality/cheapness seemed to override form

exactly my point

In first grade NRL, Seymour has started 81 games at scrum half, and 31 games at stand off- suggesting he can probably do well in either position. He played the majority of his 2nd grade football at stand off too.

Surprisingly (to me anyway), Horne has started 125 games at scrum half, 115 at stand off, 31 at Fullback and 15 at centre.

Whatever your opinion of either of them, neither are lacking experience in either of the halfback positions!