That is the only advantage Gardner gives. And Simmons also kept Gardner on board for the same reason. But Gardner has had two seasons in which he has suffered long term injuries.



Is there a rule in rugby league that says only the wingers and fullback can do kick returns?

Sorry, is what not the reason? I don't understand your response?

Well it's not a rule but everybody else is in the defensive line. I certainly hope you don't teach your kids to drop back as props and handle the kick returns.

One of the biggest problems Saints have is an inability to get out of our own half on attacking sets, therefore any squad changes that significantly improve this have to be a positive. I don't see any how anyone can argue otherwise. Gardner was playing really well till he got injured at Cas last year - that try when he outjumped Ryan Hall who is a genuine world class winger springs to mind.

He got big offers from elsewhere

Quite a generalisation to say this "worked" when all reports say Bradford were very poor.



What's to say Gaskell wouldn't have run the show from six if he was operating behind a pack that was on top like today.



You have to take this game in isolation.



I'm a Gaskell fan (not as much as you might believe) and I'd hate to make a mistake with him like we may be proved to have done with Matty Smith - that's my concern.

Somewhere that rhymes with Walford Titty Sheds, perchance?

Arf arf.



I meant what is to stop, say, centres handling the kick returns?

Generally due to the nature of the centre position this wouldn't be possible, in terms of the winger shifting infield. The centre position is very specialised in terms of reading the play and making decisions, it would leave the line very exposed to a power play if we had wingers defending at centre.

Apologies if it's been discussed, but how did Walmsley and Walker go today?

Warmsley, kinda did a guest appearance. He did not drop the ball, performed ok, but nothing special, must in line with Walker.



I'm a fan of Gaskell too, but Wilkin got good distance, hit the ground and split the FB and winger. Can't ask for more.



I really think we need to stop the him or him arguements and just be happy that if it's working you stick and if it does not work someone else can come in and take their place.



For me the 2 half's deserve their spots and should play again next week. Gaskell should not be dropped for the season and if they don't play as well for a couple of weeks then we should change it up again.



I think there has been too much of sticking with one grouping even if it's not producing. Last year it was Lance and Lomax, not changing that cost us in the final big games. If we did the same this year but with Wilkin and Wheeler, or Gaskell and Lomax we would just repeat the same errors.



Ade did give us good go forward, but Meli was still the player who was getting targetted and with some success.