Turner's missed tackle stats are precisely that - stats. Whilst statistics offer some measure of qualitative assessment, separated from their CONTEXT, they form only part of a much bigger picture.

The bigger picture at Saints - as evidenced not just by Turner but Swift's actions also, is that both players are encouraged to blaze out of the line and smash the ball carrier in an attempt to compensate for Saints stacking the majority of its defenders in the middle of the field.

This puts tremendous pressure on both players to "get it right" else we concede an easy try. Very often they do get it right. But there are occasions when other teams move just that bit quicker, or utilise dummy runners to confuse the defenders.

There's nothing forcing Saints to employ this defensive strategy. They could just as easily switch to a more balanced pattern - which would certainly help both Turner and Swift's numbers.

Given that they don't I can only assume they are broadly happy with Turner's defence and accept those errors which are made as the inevitable price which must be paid for having a very strong defence overall (according to the figures - 2nd).

Its very difficult to criticise him too much because he has had a pretty positive impact on all our games, much improved performances this season made lots of tackle busts and put in some big hits as well. As people have already said we are not sure if these misses led to try's scored in the set, I think Walsh made 6 tackles last week and missed 5 of those, but I don,t think anybody has brought this up at the moment.

I didn't see the Cas game and not seen any stats but I don't think Luke should be immune if those stats are correct. That's pathetic if true.

If you are going to bag Turner for missed tackles you should include half the team as well.

Bag the team in the "Turner" thread ?

People are doing well to find reasons to bag him given his form.

I don't see how stating he misses about 4/5 tackles a match is bagging him. I'm going off the stats and my own eyes. Everyone knows he's dodgy in defence.

He is playing well with the ball tho.

Any wonder he misses tackles when he has to keep one eye on the clown outside of him.

He doesn,t miss 4 to 5 tackles a match though its more like a 2.6 missed tackle average. 48 missed tackles over 18 games, and we could probably chalk off a couple of tackles with players either side of him mis reading defensive plays.

His stats show:

2 x 0 missed
2 x 1 missed
1 x 2 missed
10 x 3 missed
2 x 4 missed
1 x 6 missed

The Leeds game was the shocker for lots of our players Turner missed 6 accompanied by 2 others with Walmsley missing 9 tackles.


Turner is a "big player" for us, he is our best for try's scored, best for try assists and best for clean breaks.

I know those Walsh stats are wrong because I saw him with my own eyes make more than one successful tackle. His last tackle was a wonderful try saver in the second half when we were down to 12 men. He isn't the best tackler in the world but then halfbacks can be like that and I believe that's largely accepted. He does make tackles though and definitely more than one!

I have no problem with Turner. I think he's been a great player for us this season.