If only it were that simple. The problem is with 9 'suspect' tacklers in the 17 it is a nightmare scenario for Sandercock.

If the decision were mine I would live with Welham, Dobbo and Paea's frailties and drop 3 of the remaining 6 - that would be Mika, Murrell and Withers. Each of these players have other individual qualities but they are front-line players who the opposition target.

I really hope O'hara makes an immediate impact - Galea has - and maybe Netherton could work in tandem with these players.

Sandercock has some big decisions to make.

Murrell could change the game by putting Hock into next week with one of his hits.

Withers, who would you have in the squad instead?

I think the way to improve our missed tackles isn't so much about personal, but our defensive techniques, we have to stop 1 on 1 tackles, get 2 or 3 in every time like the top sides do.
I've also mentioned this before, people bang on about Nethertons tackling, but when he does play he doesn't even do that many tackles, maybe we could play him the full 80, sacrifice his running and just let him tackle lol.

Isn't that what we have Lovegrove for?

Re Murrell; emphasis on COULD! Up to now he hasn't been consistent in defence - he made a quarter of the missed tackles against London!

I'm not convinced by Withers. He came to Rovers with a big reputation but for me for every good play he makes he returns it with 2 bad ones, and for good measure throws in indiscipline and missed tackles!

Give Carlile a chance to impress - this kid can tackle if nowt else.

Murrell ain't big hit anyone for a while now unfortunately.

Dangerous game playing with stats.
Withers has missed 7.2% of his tackles compared to

[list
[*Kris Welham, 14.5%[/*
[*Con Mika, 14.4%[/*
[*Scott Murrell, 12%[/*
[*Graeme Horne, 8.1%[/*
[*Micky Paea, 9.7%[/*
[*Michael Dobson, 10.3%[/*
[*Jason Netherton, 2%[/*
[*Josh Hodgeson, 7.2%[/*[/list

Withers is also 22nd in the try assists table too.

I'm glad you've said this.

Truly shocking defence from 2 1st team regulars. Welham is an easy target for any opposition coach.

That is the one thing that has stood in Kris Welham's way of playing international RL IMHO.
You only have to look at the London game where Dorn runs right through him as an example of this.

That and his inability to pass to his winger.

2 pretty important fundamentals for any aspiring centre. Rovers fans calling for his international call up show themselves up.

Nah Yeaman hardly passes to his winger and he has got in before.
His impression of a turnstyle is what is stopping him IMHO.

Welham's tackling 'technique' certainly has come to fore this season, mainly due to our change of policy.
He rarely shoots outta' the line these days and instead we're relying on his ability to tackle his man (when he's not stationary). Liam Salter for his size/age did very well last time out, and looked to know what he was doing.



Yep, the same sort who no doubt judged his ability to tackle on the back of his pre season hit on Reece Lyne.

Who is Reece Lyne?

Wigan I would think will line up pretty near to what ran out last week against Featherstone. With the only exceptions being Carmont in for Hughes and Flower for Lauaki.