As much as he may well be a bright hope for us in this already dull season, if Nobby chucks him in next week, he is going to be under immense pressure and maybe it could be seen as too much pressure for a young lad, when 2 experienced half backs in Tommy and Smithy should be taking control.

Either way though, if he isnt in - something is up in Brian Nobles head one thinks.

Not a lot of point playing him if the team's game plan consists of playmaker passing it to a forward for 80 mins.

I can see him playing next week. I didnt think he would play tonight or last week but I think Nobles hand has now been forved.

Inside Ball?

We'll have none of that crazy talk around here.

Razzle Dazzle

far too flambouyant (sp?)

The most predictable set play Wigan have, and they dont do it quickly either - so you can see it coming from a mile off but we cant do anything to stop it.

Kind of like you could see that big chap Saints have signed this pre season from a mile off but you just cant stop him. If only we had signed a forward like that.

He'll not pick him. However, this is how I see the team:

1 experienced Hooker
1 Out-and-out scrum Half playing stand off
1 Scrum Half who's more effective as a 2nd Hooker.

The solution is to play the natural Stand Off that's Tomkins. Noble reminds me of these employers who want to hire people with experience without ever being prepared to give anyone the experience in the first place. I don't mind Tim Smith but his confidence is going to get shredded running up his own arse like he is at the moment. Tomkins in so that everyone stays in position is the only logical step for mine, regardless of the pressure. He strikes me as a big enough character to be able to handle it anyway...

Nail on head. Tim Smith playing at 6 is utterly ridiculous.

I do not know if McIllorum set the world alight tonight cos i am a category 3 fan but I can see Tomkins replacing him on the bench next week with Tommy reverting to hooker when he comes on. There is alot of rumours forming around the safety of Nobles job which I hope will force him into giving Tomkins a go.