I think the problem with Lino and Smith as a combo is that they have similar styles which doen't make for a good combination. I think one of them with Gale would on paper work but we have no way of knowing until they play. I am not convinced by Dagger, he has pace and a decent boot but I dont think his passing game is good enough for half or full back roles.

[quote="Trojan Horse"]Massive risk throwing Lino back in for me. He’s had 14? Games and been the constant influence but our attack in those 14 games has been non existent. The common thing in all the 14 games was Lino.

You’re surely not suggesting Lino alone was responsible for lack of attack in all 14 games?!
Play the in form man for me and if that means Lino has to fight his place back so be it, but no way was he alone responsible for some of the rubbish we’ve seen.
In fact in most of the losses I’d say he was our only threat but got no help!

Pretty sure it was Smiths first game in his natural position of 7 too not 6.

Our kicking game was much improved particularly from Dagger, it was also helped massively by having two wingers prepared to chase and contest the kick leading directly to two tries and a sin-binning. I think Lino plays right at the line and just hasnt had the runners that he needs largely due to not having a decent centre all season.
The main problem we have had IMO is that we have been playing a weakened team due to injuries against almost full strength teams. Now that some of these other teams are starting to lose players we should look a lot more competitive especially if we start to get a few back.

Having just watched the Leeds game back on Trinity TV i have to say that Jay Pitts was absolutely outstanding. MOM for me.

Wouldn't really call it his natural position anymore, he played every game at stand off for Fev apart from 5 (2 at Hooker).

Always liked Pitts and even when the team has been poor he's one you can count on to do his best and to try and drag the others with him.

Also, I saw him after the game and said I was proud of them for how they played. He gave me a manly hug.
Now I'm a big guy but he is made of iron. You can't always tell watching at distance but he is a solid guy.

What makes a difference to Lino's game is forwards going forward. Big Dave makes an impact and others follow, it makes a huge difference playing on the front foot.

He always works hard, but i hadnt noticed how big a part of the attacking play he was on Sunday until i watched it back.

Didn’t so much at Magic when Dave put in a shift and a few others but our attacking options were still toothless.

I know a number of people really seem to think Lino is a class act and it’s everyone else that’s the problem…

The half he’s with is always the issue - there’s been 4? He’s played with.
The forwards not going forward - despite some games is being camped on the oppositions line.

These tend to be the two statement people use to defend Lino. The only constant though until Sunday has been Lino and historically I’ve never been convinced by his ability or even more so his style of play to hold up the ball repeatedly.

Question How many times have Hood and J C stoped the ball from moving along the line .but let's say it is down to Lino easy meat