Trainman wrote:I remember the opposite. NZ had Nathan Fein, a hooker who they moved to #7 and TL, a #7 who they moved to #9.
Correct. They moved Tommy to 9 to spell off the bench with Luke starting. He was having a shocker at 7 with other better options available.
Tommy is a far better 9. Only seems to shine at 7 when he's playing with a much better partner in the halves... who's he partnered with again at NZW? Oh yes, Shaun Johnson.
Joined: May 27 2003 Posts: 20418 Location: educating League Freak on all things rugby league
Had a few Babychamps last night so some of my posting and recollection of events about TL and his test career were clearly a little blurry, apologies.
TL for me has played most of his career as a half as a 7. He has been very very good in that position. I know for a fact he is rated very very highly by those that play with him for his tactical thinking and control.
I see him as a bit like Bobby Goulding in relation to his move to 9.
Regardless his form this year has been outstanding. Using Johnson as an example of why TL has been so good at the Warriors couldn't be further from the truth. Johnson has been injured nearly all season and a shadow of the player he was. TL has run the show. Controlled everything.
I would argue even on form Johnson was able to drift in and out of games because he has had a strong halfback partner to run the show.
TL at hooker for us doesn't solve any issue that we have. We already have 2 hookers on the books that can tackle and dig in when it gets tough and who are more controlling in their style of play. If we are looking to shake up the hooking role it would need to be with a "scooter" who would come in and challenge the defence with pace around the ruck, like a Dryer for example.
TL will be exactly the type of half we have missed a leader on the field and someone to control things and offer direction whilst Williams is able to be more free to attack and run at defences. TL will be much more direct than Smith has been this last few years. I think he will be exactly the type of senior half we have needed since Green left.
Unofficially the most boring poster on Cherry and White.
Wasn't Tommy playing 6 last year anyway? Certainly some of his standout performances at the end of the year were at 6. Maybe we'll see George move to the number 7 shirt next year.
PurpleCheeseWarrior wrote:Wasn't Tommy playing 6 last year anyway? Certainly some of his standout performances at the end of the year were at 6. Maybe we'll see George move to the number 7 shirt next year.
There's not a massive difference these days, with split halves.
jonh wrote:Had a few Babychamps last night so some of my posting and recollection of events about TL and his test career were clearly a little blurry, apologies.
TL for me has played most of his career as a half as a 7. He has been very very good in that position. I know for a fact he is rated very very highly by those that play with him for his tactical thinking and control.
I see him as a bit like Bobby Goulding in relation to his move to 9.
Regardless his form this year has been outstanding. Using Johnson as an example of why TL has been so good at the Warriors couldn't be further from the truth. Johnson has been injured nearly all season and a shadow of the player he was. TL has run the show. Controlled everything.
I would argue even on form Johnson was able to drift in and out of games because he has had a strong halfback partner to run the show.
TL at hooker for us doesn't solve any issue that we have. We already have 2 hookers on the books that can tackle and dig in when it gets tough and who are more controlling in their style of play. If we are looking to shake up the hooking role it would need to be with a "scooter" who would come in and challenge the defence with pace around the ruck, like a Dryer for example.
TL will be exactly the type of half we have missed a leader on the field and someone to control things and offer direction whilst Williams is able to be more free to attack and run at defences. TL will be much more direct than Smith has been this last few years. I think he will be exactly the type of senior half we have needed since Green left.
Fully agree with all that. I do wonder if Shaun Johnson is carrying a long-term 'Tomkins-esque' injury and will never be quite the same again. Either way, it's certainly true that TL has been the main man in the Warriors' much-improved form at the end of the season.
Would be strongly against Crosby moving to Wire- had a rough season with injuries but if he can stay fit he will really thrive in his late 20s. Our best prop yesterday.
Also though they both did well, the lack of size in both Tierney and Gildart makes me question whether they will be long term starters.
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