Yeaman has never been anything more or less than a quick 2nd row who wasn't big enough to play in the pack. Never a true centre as long as his ar[is[/iehole pointed downwards.

And if anyone is wondering what I think a "true" cewntre should be, look no further than someone like Terry Day or Steve Evans. A true centre should be able to slot into the off-half position without too much problem.

Can anyone seriously expect that of Yeaman?

I don't buy this "true" centre argument, all players have pluses and minuses in their skill set. Comparing to your 2 examples - both very good players but Yeaman is a much better defender than Evans was and Day was slower than Yeaman.

As for Crooks he does have very good attacking skills and I wouldn't be surprised if he progressed to the halfs later in his career.

Next season I'd have Crooks and a new centre (depending on who he is) Yeaman as back up and Sa in the backrow.

I have heard a whisper from someone pretty close to Ben that he could be playing in Black and Amber next year. Can't say I'd be disappointed if he was.

I wouldn't be shocked to see Crooks leave. If he is likely to leave at the end of next season than maybe getting a transfer fee would be the best option. Big loss IMO as we lack so much pace in the centre position and too play Sa and Yeaman would be very depressing. I'd be tempted to give Rankin a go at centre in pre season.

Something I find strange is that IIRC Yeaman played some of his youth rugby as a hooker. How can that be when his passing is one of his weaknesses?

With another back-rower coming in maybe Whiting could move to centre full time.

You mentioned in the rumours thread the signing of a centre. I have no idea who it could be but he me might have some pace.

Whiting a centre, please no! Our backs are already seriously slow.

2nd that.

Young players like Crooks should be kept at FC, it goes against what we are trying to achieve under our youth/development structure, although he isn't the finished article he is a very good talent with a good strike rate, another journeyman coming in then.

He was a stand off when I played against him

We are of that opinion - Rankin to centre, would be a great move IMO

Rankin's a fullback. Not a centre.

I agree with this.

The same old adage was probably spotted on his size, strength and how many tries he scored.

Surprising how many young kids can't pass and have poor core skills but still make the grade.

That and the fact he was probably played out of position his whole youth career for one reason or another.