Jake the Peg wrote:The point I was countering was that this was our best squad for 20 years which it clearly isn't. I agree that our recruitment has, on the whole, been better than most but we have mainly strengthened what was probably our best aspect last season, whilst not addressing the major weaknesses (lack of quality out wide, average kicking game, no decent hooking options). We've lost a 20+ tries per season winger from a side that struggled to get over the line so there are plenty of ways of looking at recruitment and retention.
I just don't see that we've addressed the problems that were the difference between us and the top sides last year
Radford been the main one. But wont get in to that, hes got my full support for the start of the 2016 season, hes a good squad, no excuses, just have to see how we go
Tinkerman23 wrote:Anyone who thinks Houghton is average is retarded. Would easily be in the England setup if at a top club or playing in the NRL
Houghton is better than average but in the England squad ahead of Roby, Clark or even Hodgson, i think not and that has nothing to do with bigger club or Nrl. I do think with most squads being equal and perhaps us having possibly the best recruitment so far it more then ever comes down to coaching and motivation. Fingers crossed Radford has developed and improved and experienced enough now to coach the big time game players we have signed. We have all the makings there this coming season and a top 4 finish is not beyond us and for that I'll remain optimistic. Consistency is key this year but for me 6th or 7th placed.
This season is tough to predict. If the team comes together and plays well, if Sneyd finds his form, if the kids step up, if we support the ball carrier and get the ball wide faster ... top 4 easily.
If we play like we did last spring, if we lose a couple of key players, if Abdul and the other young players get Second Seasonitis or Crooks Syndrome ... then 10th and financial ruin.
Bombed Out wrote:Houghton is better than average but in the England squad ahead of Roby, Clark or even Hodgson, i think not and that has nothing to do with bigger club or Nrl. I do think with most squads being equal and perhaps us having possibly the best recruitment so far it more then ever comes down to coaching and motivation. Fingers crossed Radford has developed and improved and experienced enough now to coach the big time game players we have signed. We have all the makings there this coming season and a top 4 finish is not beyond us and for that I'll remain optimistic. Consistency is key this year but for me 6th or 7th placed.
Id only put Roby in front of him, but with him getting at least once bad injury a season, wouldn't swap him for Houghton.
Jake, sorry bud but this squad is a fantastic mix of youth, experience and some blockbusting talent, it's easily on a par with the squads of the era you mentioned, certainly it's the best we've had since 2006 but it does have the potential to go all the way, it just needs some enlightened coaching, a bit of luck, players that don't give up and beleive that playing expansive thoughtful rugby is the way to win games not some of the drivel we've had that doesn't.
knockersbumpMKII wrote:Jake, sorry bud but this squad is a fantastic mix of youth, experience and some blockbusting talent, it's easily on a par with the squads of the era you mentioned, certainly it's the best we've had since 2006 but it does have the potential to go all the way, it just needs some enlightened coaching, a bit of luck, players that don't give up and beleive that playing expansive thoughtful rugby is the way to win games not some of the drivel we've had that doesn't.
Dave K. wrote:Hooker is that average that the best team in the league were desperate to sign him.
Listen to what Westerman has to say about him also in the recent fans forum.
Although I reckon most fans know more than the best coach in the league and an England international.
houghton's defence is outstanding but his attacking play is average. His poor distribution from dummy half is one of the reasons our attack is poor. If I were westerman I'd agree as I'd probably have to do a chunk of those 50+ tackles a game houghton does.
I certainly think there is a place in the squad for houghton but we would be so much better with a more attack minded hooker to interchange him with
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