Quote: Mrs Barista "Well, obviously you could choose these two for a "like for like" comparison if you see 2nd row/prop Paterson filling in at stand off as LF/SR/SO Galea did, that's your call. But if you're going to bang on about Galea's injuries as extensively as you have done over recent weeks and want to be measured, where are your references to Paterson's catalogue? Bit selective for them not to have been discussed at all during the months since his signing. To say "someone's recovery should be really good" is no evidence of anything really, is it? Just an generalisation based on age and hope.'"
Galea hasn't played at 6 or 13 since 2008. And regarding me saying "someone's recovery should be really good" is based on personal experience of knowing how my body's recovery rate has slowed after fairly tough physical excercise over the years and even though at best a 35 year old can deliver the same physical performance as he was when he was 25, the recovery rates are worlds apart and that is fact whether it suits your arguement or not.
Quote: Mrs Barista "On the fullback point, Craig Hall replaces McDonnell as it stands, so not "far bigger", in the way Webster is far bigger and stronger than Gleeson. I already referenced the wingers in my previous post.'"
In terms of my sweeping generalisation, what good is it if Webster is far bigger and stronger if his pace has disappeared and his durability is shot?
Quote: Mrs Barista "Green's key "injury" problem was a one-off illness/incident. It doesn't really help your argument to use the adjective "terrible" and imply long term implications because no one knows. Later on you say you're not worried about Tuimavave's poor injury record because Sandercock knows him. A punt on my part, but I'll put the suggestion out there that Wigan have monitored his progress post blood clot before paying north of £100,000 for him.'"
It's a desperate market and shelling out 100k for a player who's not shown his old form since such a devastating set back reflects that. Rovers would never publicly disrespect Green, but I'm pretty sure Rovers were ecstatic at being offered 100k for Green when Hall could easily have slotted in if Burns hadn't have signed.
Quote: Mrs Barista "You're right, we've done the mismatch between your Clinton expectations and his disappointing lack of delivery under both coaches (although Morgan got more out of him, it's fair to say) before. For absence of previous mention of injury issues on Tuimavave, simply refer to Paterson above.'"
Tuimavava's injury record concerns me more than Paterson's because of his age but I'd suggest the salary Rovers have offered will reflect those concerns therefore negating the risk.
Quote: Mrs Barista "In terms of young props, obviously it helps your far bigger argument to big up (if you'll pardon the pun) Walker and discount Watts and Wheeldon. But with only 1 SL game to his name, surely the latter names are more relevant? Big lads.'"
Because Watts and Wheeldon left after half a season and didn't contribute at the end, then I didn't take them into consideration.
Quote: Mrs Barista "In this instance, what bookmarks? I'm replying to a post. You're a funny one. I'm puzzled to see you downgrading your expectations though. Before last season, I think, you were confident that with a few signings Rovers could challenge at the top and chase silverware because "that's what it's all about." Now you're saying as long as they give it a good go, that's what it's all about. What is it all about?'"
It is all about Silverware at the end of the day, but last season hit home that as good a coach as Justin Morgan was, the route for continued success is a slow and painful one at the end of the day. Rovers team in 2009 were a top-four side, but that didn't last long because of our lack of youth set up and afterwards, our senior antopedians had reached their peak and were on the slide. Last season, across their squad, Saints had less individual class then both Catalans and Leeds yet they still finished above them in 3rd because they continue to bring through young players.
Quote: Mrs Barista "There's really no need to continually challenge my mental health just because no one else ever picks you up on anything, it lends no weight to your argument, just looks like silly name-calling by a little boy. So stop being mean and tune in to watch England later. Briscoe's in the squad, although unlikely to be picked in the back row. Shame, that.'"
Right now as I look out the window, it is sunny. There's a probability that in a few days it will be cloudy. If you feel the need to highlight that it is sunny when that time comes, feel free to do so.