I don't care what "all Aussie clubs" do, we bought Westerman as the stand out young 13 in the game, it's his best position ad we've struggled to get around the field in recent years, with him playing at 13 and Seymour and Horne (or Ellis) plus someone like Whiting on the field then we have way more attacking options than we've had recently.

Not going to happen. Teams would just blow us away through the middle with Westy or Whiting running that channel.

I don't agree, we've been saying for a while the way the side plays needs to change, I hope Gentle does so or we'll be no better off than we have been.

I wouldn't say Leeds got blown away up the middle when they played Sinfield at 13.

They adapted a slightly different way of playing, and defending, and as you say, it worked for them.

I don't want to see Hull FC that are a clone of the NRL, other than the skill level and innovation, we should find a system that suits us, and not be afraid to change it according to the opposition. We bemoaned the lack of a "plan B" (or even A on occasion), Westerman at 13 is something that should at least be tried.

Anyone know if Nicklas is 100% fit by the way, haven't read anything recently.

Yeah, because Westerman and Whiting are as good as Sinfield, or even similar players.

you saying that Sinfield is a better defender than both?

I agree I hope to see the end of ours days of playing the extra forward at 13!

well we've proved it doesn't work, so I hope it changes

The majority were screaming to see Westy at 13 last season!!...One hopes they get their wish, he is a 13 and I think if Gentle can work well with him he will be one of the best 13s in this country!!

He is an off the cuff player who creates, sadly he was on his own last season this season should see the benefit of his off the cuff play with our new personnel..

Yes he is, he's defended there for years. It's not even close.

given what AP has said about his future desires we should be building our team around the likes of Westerman (and Ellis if he proves himself) Tickle is a solid player but he's not going to win us trophies (other than taking conversions), weed not just a clear out of personnel (which we've had) but a clear out of mind set, Tickle isn't a 13, he's a good specialist second rower, I don't even agree we should be playing 2nd roe in the props or vice versa, we have tried for too long to put square pegs in round holes.

Quote: east hull FC fan "Yes he is, he's defended there for years. It's not even close.'" You really should check the facts before making such large statements www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2011 My apologies thought you were discussing Tickle

Quote: east hull FC fan "Yes he is, he's defended there for years. It's not even close.'" You really should check the facts before making such large statements www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2011 My apologies thought you were discussing Tickle

Playing somebody like Tickle through the middle shouldn't mean a lack of creativity. We played with Fitz there last year and scored plenty of points, so that arguments flawed.

He's more experienced defending there, doesn't mean he's loads better. I'd be quite happy for Whiting or Westerman to play there and to write them off before even trying it is just silly. Neither are as good as Sinfield now, but both have the potential to be very, very good loose forwards.