He undoubtedly is needed but isn't performing anywhere near the required standard, particularly given he is an overseas player who will be on a chunk more than a comparable UK player. He wanders about looking disinterested. Looks like he is clueless in the position and/or just lazy to me, nothing to do with confidence. I'd expect a lack of confidence to show itself in errors, not what we see in him. He was massively outperformed by staveley until his injury and staveley isn't a 2nd rower and has played barely a handful of first grade games.

I hope he does come good but I've seen nothing to suggest he will

I think he could be a good player IF he actually put the effort in. He tends to make good metres per carry, but he only takes in 3 or 4 carrys a game. It's just not good enough. Especially when you've got kids like Lewis Martin putting his hand up to take the ball in time and time again.
He does a lot of tackling (usually around 40+ when on for the full 80) so he can do stuff when need be. Difference is in defence people are running at him so he has no choice but to make a tackle. When we have the ball he doesn't go looking for it. He seems to hide out the way.
Said it before but we need to try and utilise his height. Put some kicks up to him when attacking the line and he will outjump just about any other player on the pitch.
If he had the work ethic of Ese'ese I think he would do a job. At the moment he's just a complete passenger out there on the pitch.

I think we have to stop picking out individuals like this at the moment. Yes, we need him to do better but we need the team as a whole to do better. We also don't know what has been going on behind the scenes and what we may see going forward. Time to wipe the slate clean with everyone I think and move forward.

Young side looks like FC fancy Davy Litten as a centre also played in reserves at centre the other week too. Moy FB. No Ock. Young bench

Given all the circumstances. Form, confidence, players missing, opposition, venue. If we lose by less than 50 points, that will be a step in the right direction.

All the best to us all.

Big gulf in class and experience.

A dauting task but I'll be happy to see plenty of effort and commitment in defence.

Sadly every time I’ve seen Litten play centre he has struggled. Would’ve preferred Macintosh there. Hopefully he makes me eat those words tonight.

In terms of Okunbor, I do sometimes wonder if his lack of contribution is affected by the lack of a proper half. Biggest concern is how much he’s caught on the deck when defending

Gonna be a long night I think

Don't see how this team keeps it within 50 tonight unfortunately. Just a too young and inexperienced team. As others have said, show some effort and a good attitude and thats all we can ask tonight.

Christ, what a hit by Hurrell on Martin.

Moy crabbing along the line on our own 10 on the 3rd tackle shouldn't be happening. Where's the big lads to be taking that carry in.

Seen enough of Pele to say he is an absolute pudding. Defensively and offensively.

Great confidence booster for Moy chopping Batchelor down like that. Good lad.