Agree with all the comments re: Hall. Cut the figure of a man who was definitely being played out of position and didn't seem to be enjoying it at all.

You don't get in a Premiership winning side and be rubbish.

You certainly don't, and I've said before and will no doubt say again that I am glad Hall is staying, as he owes us a big season. I'd hate for him to be another one that avoidably leaves and then rips it up elsewhere, like Morrison, Pryce, Peacock [iet al[/i.

I also sometimes wonder whether his critics ever watch the NRL, i.e. ever watched him actually play. If you did, then you will have seen what he is capable of - in the NRL, to boot. It doesn't seem logical that only a few months after being part of an NRL GF rout of Melbourne Storm, Hall would suddenly lose his ability to play the game, for which reason I reckon there is every chance of a fine season out of him next time round.

Not necessarily defending Hall but sometimes it takes these antipodeans the best part of a season to settle in. Look at King, Vainikolo etc... Maybe there is more to come from him, given his pedigree.

Dont hold your breath expecting Hall to come good. It wont happen, even when the pitches get dry.

Is there the teeniest chance he may prove you wrong the way Platt did (as you honourably and readily acknowledged)?

I would hope he does.. Especially as a quota player but i won't hold my breathe. Just be glad to offload him and free the quota place. Will he even be first choice next year? Plenty of second rowers if that is the position we are told he is better in.

I wouldnt have thought so, Adey. Cant see where he has the potential to improve.

Re: Hall.
As I've said a few times, can you really judge a players performance based on THIS season? Seriously? Coming into an underperfoming team in a new country?

We were in 4th place until her shaved his demon 'tache off. Talk about Samson and Delilah. And let's also not forget that he didn't have the best prep for the season and there was sone doubtt as to whether he'd actually come over at all...

One thing I hope that Potter encourages is the backing up of the player with the ball. If so, I reckon Hall will come into his own taking the tackle and getting the ball away. OK... maybe he's not a Solamona but I think if he stays he could have a good season next year. We seemed to be doing that early in the season and players like Langers were on fire busting through in support.

I blame losing the tache too. It's the Kings of Leon syndrome.

Yes... Of course you bloody can. A season is a long enough time to judge any player. Some players get better, but just as many don't.

Wasn't the major reason, that we were in for L'Estrange and Hall is his best mate and was recommended by him. When asked Beaver backed up his credentials, McNamara thought he might be on to a winner bringing in a number of players from a champion team, less time needed to blend in etc and bob's yer uncle. TBH he's a steady back rower who might yet do ok, but I agree he hardly justifies a quota place, although that piece of Wigan beating magic he conjured up with Heath does allow him some leeway for me.

We were interested in bringing Hall over for the 2009 season, so the major reason can't have been that as we wanted him before we had talked to Heath.

I'm sorry to say, but that's a horrible back-line. Guarenteed to ship in 40 points a game. The pack isn't that bad with the additions of Bryn and Elima, but you'll be caught outwide without doubt.

Based on what exactly?

It's clearly not based on your knowledge of Rugby League

This is what the team I think will be.

Sykes
Ainscough
Ah Van
Walker
Raynor
Kearney
Orford
Lynch
L'estrange
Scruton
Hall
Elima
Langley

Hargreaves
Kopczak
Godwin
Whitehead

Guaranteed?

So if we play one game next season without conceding 40 points you'll be wrong and proven an idiot?

And you're saying, any wins we will get, we'll have to score at least 41 points.

You truly are an idiot!!

That is a bit of a Spazzy thing to say TBH. You wouyld think that you had confidence in the man that is currently leading your charges.

I hope Sykes is nowhere near a starting shirt next season TBH.

Swap Royston for Sykes and you're probably not fair off the mark.

I'm not sure where all this Sykes bashing comes from. Ok fair enough he ain't no stand off but the guy gives 110% for the Bulls and I expect he'll continue be a regular under Mick Potter.

Sykes is a decent utility player. But given the players we've signed for next year, I can't see him starting

As it is i'd go...

1. Shad Royston
2. Sahun Ainscough
3. Paul Sykes
4. Chev Walker
5. Patrick Ah Van
6. Brett Kearney
7. Matt Orford
8. Bryn Hargreaves
9. Heath L'Estrange
10. Andy Lynch
11. Elliott Whitehead
12. Olivier Elima
13. Jamie Langley

14. Wayne Godwin
15. James Donaldson
16. Nick Scruton
17. Glenn Hall

I cant see Sykes being left out.

If Sykes is left out, who will kick,or attempt to kick, goals ?

If he's in the starting lineup (which I don't think he will be) then the only position he should be playing is centre.
And I would rather see Platt and Walker as our first choices.