phiggins

But the reply to Beaumont’s tweet that you referenced was sheer whatabouttery, and not even accurate. Beaumont has stated a preference for P&R with a minimum standard since the start of the season. I agree with that preference myself (and I probably disagree with stuff he comes out with more often than not)

There’s a lot to unpick in that reply, because it’s not a particularly accurate reflection. There was a requirement to have license applications in 2021 because Super League wanted to replace Toronto and there had not been a 2020 Championship season to determine who that club would be. Had the 2020 Championship season completed, then the winners would’ve been promoted. Players were only released in 2017, after contracts were voided after relegation. There was an exodus in 2018 after the club restructured, which led to settlements needing to be reached with two players, and those settlements were reached. The only tribunal action that found against the club was two or three players (I can’t remember the exact number) took action against the club to question the legitimacy's of fines that they were given during the 2017 season. All begs the question, what do these events 6 and 7 years ago have to do with London, Hull and IMG?

Ed Chamberlain played in the very next game after being recalled, so there’s a good chance you’re putting 2 and 2 together and getting 5 there.

But they’re going to have no choice but to move the final at some point

I think the last 15 mins was a case of not really having much energy left. When moylan broke from Leutele’s offload, nobody was really pushing to support, and there were one or two cramping up at the end. Probably why we don’t win games that are still in the balance in the last quarter

He didn’t play full back at the back end of last year. In fact he didn’t play at all back end of last year, he broke his hand. Hardaker was given the number 1 shirt, but O’Brien was first choice after only a couple of games. As for your last sentence. Suspect it’s a question of whether Lam becomes the coach now, or next season

When was the last time he played regularly at full back? Thought he played at centre at both Leeds and Wigan before signing for Leigh? He doesn't have the pace that he had in 2017 at Cas, his passing game isn't at the level that you'd expect from most full backs now, who mainly act as extra halves. And while his positioning after a break is still there on the occaisions he fills in at fb for Leigh, he's not actually making the tackles anyway.

When he plays well, he is a good defensive centre. Played a big role in both the cup semi final and final last season. And had decent games defensively against Warrington and Cas recently. But those decent games are becoming rarer, and the sight of him on the floor after being trampled over by Tex Hoy was a pretty sad one. Looked like one of the player's dads had come on for a game. On top of that, I don't think the pairing of him and Briscoe as a centre / wing partnership ever really worked. Most, if not all of Briscoe's tries were assisted by O'Brien, and when the play did go through Hardaker, the pass to Briscoe ended up in touch. And they never really defended kicks very well either

Reports in Oz (i think) that he wants to go back home

That was my hope. Still is, particularly since recalling chamberlain

I guess that uncertainty of Super League status will make replacing Asiata and Amone even more difficult than it already is

It is a strange one. I know Hull are wanting to bring more experience in, but with Briscoe already there to play on the wing, I'm not sure I'd be wanting to resurrect that centre / wing partnership again. Maybe they'll move Hardaker into the second row?

And you'll have him on a contract that lasts long enough to see him driving to work again

Leigh don't win the close games this season.

Two year deal as well. Dan Tomlinson, who I assume to be Richie Myler's godson, is reporting that Leigh offered him a deal, but I would be amazed if he was offered more than one year. Pretty much the same scenario that led to him signing for Leigh in the first place. Frankly, I wouldn't be too fussed if he made the move now. Wouldn't be too surprised either.