didn't look too slow to me at Catalans a few weeks ago. if its in regards to him being caught by Dawson watch it back, he thinks he is been chased by the inside defender only and doesn't know Dawson is behind him, he was cruising.

I agree. Shocking complacency though.

I think the loss of Peacock, Leuluai and Sinfield on the field cannot be understated. I think the players mentioned have had to take on extra responsibility in addition to playing their natural game. Can be difficult.

FFS, how long are we going to bemoan the loss of Sinfield and Peacock. They've gone, move on and rebuild. That's what the coach and team are trying to do. No amount of moaning will bring back retired / defected players

Re Watkins, I watched the GF again the other day and I thought his biggest problem was being asked to defend third or even fourth man in a lot of the time. That means a big tackling load, which must dent his attack. I can't think of a similarly classy attacking player being asked to do so much donkey work.

It's happened throughout the Burrow on the pitch at hooker era. Either Moon is 4th man in if McGuire and Burrow are both on the left side. But then McGuire usually alternates sides during games so either Watkins or Sinfield would be as far in as 4th, with them alternating themselves between 3rd/4th man in presumably so not to put all of the burden on Sinfield who whilst can do large tackling numbers, shouldn't have been averaging 27 a game the last few seasons AND expected to lead the team round at HB in attack.

The whole Sinfield-McGuire-Burrow axis required compromises to the team shape that most teams never have to make. We'll probably have to continue to make the same compromise until Burrow retires. I can't see anyone playing a similar role off the bench in the future who can't defend.

He's had poor pace for 3-4 years now, but that's been offset by rock solid catching under the high ball, and running the ball back well when we're camped on our line.

Ash Goulding? Lilley already does?



The coaches seem to like to be able to bring on an attacking player late on and it certainly works well for Brisbane, Queensland and Australia

It only becomes a problem when that player plays a full game as burrow has done at hooker recently

As long as the impact player only plays around 30 mins it is more of a benefit than a hinderance

In future when a hooker is injured then the dummy half role should be done by someone like stevie ward or keinhorst who can do the defensive work

Which player do Brisbane, Queensland or Australia put on that can't be relied on to make their share of tackles or a complete reset of the defensive line? The answer is they don't.

...and by the way, have a look at Michael Morgan's beautiful cutout pass the other week vs the Roosters. Or indeed his match-winning pass to the wing in last year's GF. Not bad for a player who according to someone can't pass.

NRL teams don't feel the need to hide their half-backs in the defensive line. Most (if not all) defend them three in either side. England did the same V the Kiwis in the Tests last year under McNamara.