Talanoa will start on the wing and looks in good shape but is lacking in the basic skillset required of catching and passing to be a great back. Handful yes, but game breaker I doubt.
I would like to see Lancaster breakthrough on the wing to give us genuine pace in a back line alongside Shaul. Logan and Carlos is the centre look like they have the ability to put the winger away and with such a solid pack I would hope to see us gamble a bit in the backs.
If you are not part of the solution then you are more likely part of the problem...
Shaul Talanoa Carlos Logan Fonua Pryce Sneyd Watts Houghton Taylor Ellis Minichello Manu
Washbrook Pritchard Abdul Thompson
When he wants to spell a prop Ellis will move up, Pritchard into Second row, Abdul for Manu if required or in backs if Pryce knackered or not working, Washbrook for the obvious, Thompson for multitude when Mini or Ellis need a spell. Options all over the park.
Joined: Jul 15 2005 Posts: 29811 Location: West Yorkshire
Keep Smiling wrote:Shaul Talanoa Carlos Logan Fonua Pryce Sneyd Watts Houghton Taylor Ellis Minichello Manu
Washbrook Pritchard Abdul Thompson
When he wants to spell a prop Ellis will move up, Pritchard into Second row, Abdul for Manu if required or in backs if Pryce knackered or not working, Washbrook for the obvious, Thompson for multitude when Mini or Ellis need a spell. Options all over the park.
Still got Hadley, Lancaster. Whiting, Bowden, Green, Yeaman in squad too plus several like Downs, Fash, Turgut, HTW, Matongo who've played the odd SL game. Some depth.
Mrs Barista wrote:Still got Hadley, Lancaster. Whiting, Bowden, Green, Yeaman in squad too plus several like Downs, Fash, Turgut, HTW, Matongo who've played the odd SL game. Some depth.
just think all the options he has to change things doesn't really weaken the team as such and most of last years bench are going to struggle to get in baring injuries. He can rest a prop and utilise Ellis there while bringing on Pritchard. When Mini needs a break or Ellis he can bring on Thompson and swap the rested prop for whoever he left on.
If Pyrce isn't cutting it he can either bring on Abdul or move Carlos there and put Thompson in the backs.
Washbrook can spell Houghton which everyone was crying out for last year.
And as you say he has options to change things if it doesn't work with Hadley, Whiting, Bowden etc.
Joined: Jul 15 2005 Posts: 29811 Location: West Yorkshire
Keep Smiling wrote:just think all the options he has to change things doesn't really weaken the team as such and most of last years bench are going to struggle to get in baring injuries. He can rest a prop and utilise Ellis there while bringing on Pritchard. When Mini needs a break or Ellis he can bring on Thompson and swap the rested prop for whoever he left on.
If Pyrce isn't cutting it he can either bring on Abdul or move Carlos there and put Thompson in the backs.
Washbrook can spell Houghton which everyone was crying out for last year.
And as you say he has options to change things if it doesn't work with Hadley, Whiting, Bowden etc.
Forgot about Naughton and Michaels too as cover in the backs.
The only reason I can see is signing Smith is to cover full back as apart from Shaul we don't have anyone. He would be about 8th choice for Centre and wing.
Shaul Michaels Carlos Fonua Talanoa Pryce Sneyd Watts Houghton Ellis Mini Pritchard Abdul/Manu
Washbrook Taylor Thompson Abdul/Manu
Though I don't think it'll be long into the season till we see Carlos at 6 and Logan in the Centre.
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