R.B.A wrote:Justin Morgan was spot on. He was criticised for having an over cautious approach with our youngsters like Taylor and Cox but looking at their performances now he was clearly spot on. They get their chance when they are physically and mentally ready, not before.
I watched every home Reserve game last season and a few of the away ones. Jordan Lee will never be a Super League player. I dont like to sound harsh and everybody who reads my posts knows that i like to praise our young players but on this occasion i think im right.
Matty Behharrel is a really good player and i think stands a chance of making it. However, anybody who watched him play in the friendly against Featherstone (his first game against men) and would still play him against Saints and Wire clearly have no regard for the kids well being and future. He would be physically and mentally smashed.
Our best young half is Matty Marsh who played for the Scholarship last season and featured briefly at the end of the Academy season. After half a dozen Academy games this season i fully expect fans to be clamouring for the 16 year old to be in the first team...
Absolutely spot on - totally agree.
When looking at a replacement it depends what our priorities are. Even though Withers would probably be the best option I'd prefer to keep him at dummy-half interchanging with Hodgson to capitalise on our front-row strength.
Our main priority IMO is ensuring we have another kicking option other than Hall so would that would have to be Murrell for me. There'd also be pluses for putting Murrell there from a defensive point of view because with Lovegrove & Murrell defending in the half-back positions there'd be no easy holes for the opposition to run at. He's also got experience and can put people through gaps. Of course if Murrell played 7 then we could put another front-rower @ 13 like Watts etc.
The game is far more physical than it ever has been and it would be irresponsible to throw a youngster in who isn't ready.
Craig Sandercock has an exemplary record of developing youngsters so I trust he knows best.
