I think he would have had enough pace to finish off Roberts' try at least. The point I was trying to make (however poorly

) is that Lomax poses far greater an attacking threat IMO.

Oh yeah. But in terms of pace, so do most people when compared to Wello. However, that doesn't make Lomax the better fullback at this point in time. Just a faster potential fullback.

No, it's people who see our failings and hope the club acts on them. Have you not watched much modern rugby league? How many defensive fullbacks do you see in the Champion teams these days? Webb at Leeds, solely about attack. Mr Slater at Melbourne Storm, solely about attack. Do you think Melbourne care if he can tackle? Fullbacks aren't like goalkeepers in football.

The fullback in the modern game is vital to the attacking aspects of the game. A pacy fullback can join the attack at ANY position in the line, we don't have any of that. Sure they have defensive duties too, but they are hardly key to the game. And on the topic of Wello's 'd', it's not that impressive anymore. He makes as many handling mistakes as any fullback in SL too. Look at Hull's tries the other night, Manu ran over him, Briscoe crossed the try line just as Wello managed to turn round.

Wello will only get worse as well, he isn't going to improve. We should be blooding Lomax whilst Wello is still there, not expecting him to replace him next season having had about 3 or 4 appearances this season.

Wello is prob the best option for saints at fullback at moment. I'd love to see pryce moved there but then we lack cover for pryce.

Wheeler could maybe cover the stand off role but IMO it wouldn't be correct to put pressure on wheeler and Kyle.

Wello still does a job but we are in urgent need of a fullback with pace. We never get on the front foot off kicks because wello can't clear his lines from his lack of pace.

I'd like to see saints next year bring a good stand off in and move pryce to fullback but for now wello is best option.

They could do, but I've yet to see Wheeler show any kind of control over a game at SL level myself.

He's talented, has ability, has taken to SL perfectly fine, bar possibly the physical side with the number of injuries he's had. I've not seen him direct regular first teamers round though, possibly a confidence problem? One of the things that struck me most about Eastmond's debut was that he wasn't afraid to tell more senior players where to go and what to do. Tomkins has been the same at Wigan. Maybe it's because he's not been in the position to do so, a winger or centre will have less chance than a full back for example, but Eastmond imposed himself on games more than Wheeler has done IMO.

Like I said, he's talented and I'd have him at centre no problems at this moment in time, but I'm not sure them both in such key positions whilst the team is low on confidence and out of form is the best idea. I'm more open to the idea of pairing them in the cup if we get lower league opposition.

Wellens has to play FB this year as i dont think Lomax is ready.

The injury to Ade could however be a blessing in disguise if it gives Lomax the chance for an extended run on the wing.

The modern winger comes under a lot of pressure from kicks, and does a lot of work returning the ball, so it would give the player and fans a chance to see how he handles SL intensity on a consistent basis.

Would you extend Wello's contract?

Spot on. I hope Potter uses Lomax on the wing and Wheeler at centre to cover for Soliola. That way two of our up and comings would get more valuable game time and we would get the chance to see how two of our up and comings are progressing. Doing this would also inject some much needed pace into our backline, on both sides.

and thats the main point i think, personally, i'd offer him a 1 year deal like long and see what he says

As much as I like wello and he's been great for saints but I wouldn't offer him a new deal if we could get a replacment in for next year.

I'd like to see pryce move there next year and a ball playing stand off coming in.

wellens is still first choice, but if he isnt regularly rested this season so lomax can get some sl experience,then the club will feel the repercussions the following season

i would play lomax at fb this season in 6 or 7 games at least,we could pick the relevant games to play him and this would also freshen wello up for the following week

I think at the moment it has to be Wellens. He may lack pace but makes up for it with his ability under the high ball and all round experience.

But isn't Pryces contract up the after that? So where would it leave Saints in 2012?

In a brand new stadium that is ours and not a 2nd rate football team.

No being serious we'd just offer him a new contract.

gimme whatever you are drinking fast!

It's the only option for me, plus playing those two gives us balance and pace in the backline which we lack. Soliola will be better in the back row when he returns, which would allow Puletua to play at prop and give us more size up front.

Same place any teams ends up - If Pryce is worth a new deal when his contract expires we ofer him one , if not he gets replaced either internally or we bring someone in. Pryce isnt a proper standoff but he might do a job at Fullback if Lomax isnt ready or just doesnt make it.

He's drunk two pints of try and a half of assist so far today.

Edit - make that 3 pints of try.

Edit edit - make that 4 pints of try.

For those who went to the Bradford match and thought Wello shouldn't still be our first choice number 1, has today changed your minds?

He was excellent in support play, and I think he only had to make one tackle as we only had one clean break.

Now that was the Wello of old. Shows for me just how poor his performances have been for the last year. Strange that he doesn't attract the kind of criticism players like Pryce and Wilkin get.

Keep it up Wello.

He was much better today but like saddened said this goes to show how poor he has been. The big question mark now is can he be consistant again or was that just a 1 off? unlike some people I wont judge off 1 game against what was pretty poor oposition.

FWIW I was also impressed with Lomax - some great catches under pressure

we win and he scores some tries, mostly from two yards out, so now he is a good fullback again. you fickle lot.

i'm all for succession planning by the way, but that was never the argument. wellens is first choice fullback and he is worthy of another contract.

Hardly strange. Wellens is a local lad who has the club running through his veins. He's also an unquestionable trier. Short of planting a St. Helens flag in the centre spot of the DW you can't BE more appealing to a fan.

Pryce isn't a local lad and in recent times has achieved performance levels that are below what his natural talents promise. And that's the nub of the issue: All but the most fickle fans can accept a player having a stinker - provided the EFFORT has been there.

As for Wilkin, he suffers from the unrealistic expectations of bread-headed fans who think any player described as "a talented footballer" ought to be making eight busts per game and 200m+. He's just not capable of such.

Based on 1 game and his form 3 years ago? I like Wello he is Mr St Helens and there is no doubt he has been great for us and loves the club etc etc but for me he needs to prove he is worth a new contract over the course of the season and if we do offer him one it should be on realistic terms (he isnt an International anymore) and it should only be for 1 year.

Lomax looked good against Bradford and he looked very safe - if he's ready for the number 1 jersey full time next year keeping Wello would just be sentiment and a potential waste of cap space.