phiggins

I think GOB at 6 will be a different proposition with Moylan at full back, than he was with Hardaker there to be fair. I don't think Ashton picks up that intercept if O'Brien is making the play on that side. To be honest, if he has any more performances like Saturday, then Lam's place won't be assured. There was a lot of wayward passes.

I can see O'Brien playing at 6 when he comes back, with Moylan staying at full back.

Leigh. Only one win, and several injuries, some of which may be related to the club's pre season departures in the backroom staff. At least two wins thrown away. Grade E

Shame to see him injured. All reports I've seen about him from reserve games and pre season friendlies have all been positive, so not sure why he's never been given a chance at Leigh. Can only assume Lam doesn't think he's ready for SL yet, hence the season long loan rather than week to week.

Have they maxxed out though? From their indicative grading, their biggest failing was finances, where they scored 2.15 out of 4.5. It's not beyond the realms of possibility to see them increase on that score with transfer fees for Dupree, Croft and Ackers accounted for, as well as any money they've had in from the council. If they do, then that plus the fact they scored 4.15/5 for fandom will show some pretty significant gaps between how this system sees clubs and reality.

Thompson?

I don't think the football, and the Gateshead story is a particularly valid comparison or vindication of this grading system. In football they use on field competition to determine who is promoted and off field criteria to determine their eligibility. In RL, we're moving to a system where it is a competition both on and off the field for those clubs that are uncertain of which league they will be in. I think if we'd adopted a similiar approach to football, with P&R subject to minimum standards, then there wouldn't be quite as much debate on the subject as long as implemented fairly (i.e. clubs already in have to also meet those minimum standards)

Of course ‘sorted’ could mean various things. I remember Lam saying Reynolds’ contract situation would be sorted soon last year. When with Lam and O’Donnell he was able to give a much more positive update. Out of all those out of contract, I think we need to get Asiata, Amone, Hanley and Leutele signed up. Can take or leave the rest. But am sure they will assemble a good squad for next year and hopefully prepare for the season than they have this year.

Gannon not been up to much on loan?

If that is the case, then I think they’re overthinking it a bit. If McNamara is clearly a better goal kicker, he should be given the job

I think 1st May is a bit of a red herring. Most players will already know where they will be playing next year, even if they are out of contract with their current club. Don’t think many, if any, clubs wait till May to talk to players

Yes, lots of players. But that performance yesterday didn’t look like a team with issues behind the scenes

A lot being made of the goal kicking yesterday. Moylan missed one from the touch line and slipped for another. But it is a potential route for McNamara to cement a place in the team. Reynolds could just have easily been the one to make a mistake in attack or defence which cost us. His goal kicking was very good, general play, not so good.

If I was Ben McNamara, I’d be spending as much time as I can working on my goal kicking. If he can establish himself as the goal kicker and his defence holds up (25 tackles yesterday, albeit he also missed 3), then he’ll keep his place in the side and buy himself time to work on his playmaking

Read that the Knights first choice full back picked up an injury so that one would be pretty much dead. Similar to the Tristan Sailor pursuit. All would’ve been much easier if we had an overseas spot free!