That's a good point. I would like to see Hallas and Butterworth both get plenty of game time at hooker this year, different type of players.
When Sam was in the Leeds academy with my lad, he's a year younger, he played a bit at prop. I think his game is a lot about his work rate, which is exceptional, Butterworth looks like he's a more natural hooker. Think there is room in the 17 for them both.

Regarding my lad, I would say I'm probably his biggest fan and also his biggest critic. Getting the ball at first man is not where he is most effective, I would say maybe about 3rd man in the line, after a natural half back has done his bit first and he can try do his bit as a loose forward with a decent pair of hands. Only my opinion

I would agree with you Roger on the small evidence I have seen. and we need that sort of threat away from the hooker/halves.

I think all three hookers have their strengths and weaknesses. Shame we can't merge them to make one great hooker.

As has been said Hallas offers defensive solidity and a great workrate. Butterworth offers zip out of dummy half and the ability to create space when he engages the markers before passing. Halafihi has a great pass from dummy half that is quick and accurate.

It means it's good competition for places. Personally I'd start Hallas at hooker and have Butterworth come off the bench against tired opponents. Halafihi as backup.

Seems about right for the pecking order though, given the injury setback to Joe Keyes and the fact we haven't seen Chissy with a shirt on yet, I wouldn't be shocked to find one of those three in the halves for the opening game.

Butterworth looked good when he played at 7 against Fax last year. I'd prefer him playing there instead of Smith if Chisholm/Keyes aren't quite fit.

Hallas and Butterworth as starter and bench hooker for me. Hallas to distribute and control the ruck with Butterworth coming on and blitzing them down the middle when the defence is tired/on the back foot due to our forward momentum.

In terms of halves for the first game if Keyes or Chisholm aren't fit I'd personally like to see Milnes have a go with the fit halfback. So Milnes/Chisholm or Keyes/Milnes. See how he goes and it gives us a kicker if Keyes is out.

If both halfbacks are out for Round 1 I'd like us to use the same halfbacks when we won in pre-season in Smith/Minchella to keep a little consistency there.

Ahh, we can now start to dream about some consistency? Must mean we have a decent well balanced (relatively) uninjured squad that want to play for us. all hail chalo.

Must say it's great to be talking about the actual rugby again.

Evenin' all. Even as an outsider, it's great to read you doing so. The good ship seems a lot more buoyant now that it's not being sucked down the Alley-Alley-Oh. Good luck to all who sail in her.

A much happier read recently.



Now about this hopping into bed with Toronto thing......

I'd go with that, but I when the interchange does happen I'd expect Hallas to drop into the back of the pack rather than be a straight swap as he did quite often last year.

His tackling and workrate we cannot afford to lose, especially against the better L1 teams.

I hope we use this season as a time to blood as many youngsters as possible. Yes, I know there will be some tough games this year but there must be a few games we can give the likes of Milnes, Pickersgill and others a decent run so they get a season under their belts for hopefully the next season in the championship. I am not taking it lightly but surely D1 should give Kear that chance and I won't be fully happy with Chisholm till he has played a dozen games without pulling up.

The title of this topic could be taking a twist that nobody saw coming

Ooh sounds interesting.

New hooker on his way

Any clues?

Scotty's escaped the judiciary and, prodigal son like, he's returning to Odsal?

...or one of our players had been caught down Thornton Rd looking for an hairy hand?

Mickey Higham doesn't really want to retire and signs for us again! Part time basis, combining his role at Leigh during the day?

Aye, that setup worked fantastically with Richie Mathers.

In Highams case he barely had time to breathe the air at Odsal unfortunately Mathers did!

Would be happy to have him back. Did he work under Kear at Trinity?

Trying to think of some players who could be available?
Maybe Eloi Pelissier? Think he left Leigh and went back to France, not sure if he's signed up anywhere.

He signed for Lezignan Sangliers - obviously the steam pigs of France.

No chance, hes back in court for sentencing on March 6
He pleaded guilty to both assault charges.

But he did preempt some of his sentence and served 6 months doing youth work as community service utilizing his skills as an experienced professional last year. Surely that counts for something.