He hasn't got a rugby league head which is a real minus. Clare for example was a rugby league player through and through, and looked like he'd played the game since he was 6 which is probably the case.

Maybe given the right coaching and patience he could be good, and if this did transpire he'd be immediately snapped up by Huddersfield or Hull KR.

In which case you think Lee Smith should be a target?

Campbell for me. He's more experienced and has proven pedigree at this level.

Unless there's a fitness issue he gets in the side in front of Thomas every time IMO.

One would like to think so regards Lee Smith.

As Bullsear said, Campbell for me.

I was well impressed with Campbell I can't see why he never played last year..
Let alone now.

How many fullbacks do we need? We have Thomas, Campbell and the new bloke Phoenix whose described as primarily a FB. Suspect smith would still expect a substantial wage and that money would be better spent on forwards

The question for me is, Is he a full back? He has talent no doubt. O.K. he made a couple of howlers yesterday, but for me its hard to be too critical after yesterdays Siberian weather. I had 2 thick sweaters, a body warmer and big overcoat, hat scarf and gloves, and when I came out of the stand into the wind, you were immediately aware of just how perishing cold it really was. These guys played 80 minutes, wet through and freezing, hardly surprising fingers were unable to get a grip on the ball. That said, I agree that Campbell is probably a more natural full back.

It was a terrible day to be a fullback and even the best would’ve had difficulties. The Hornets kicking game improved as the game went on and Thomas ended up having a mare. Even making allowances for the weather and pitch I would still have gone with Campbell if he’s fit.

If yesterday had been Thomas' only bad game, you'd forgive it and put it down to the weather. However I remember the games last year too when he was still very poor and it wasn't nearly as cold or wet as it was yesterday.

Fullback is one of those positions where an error often leads directly to a try. Bit like being a goalkeeper. Certain players have a steadiness about them (Mumby, Withers, Watson etc) whereas others are prone to making howlers (Platt, Sykes etc.) I think Thomas is in the latter group.

Batley away been a prime example

To be fair that was Mathers

Yeah I thought that was Mathers too.

I don't remember specific games or incidents with Thomas. But I do remember being sat or stood at those games and thinking less than nice things about what he'd done and not having the excuse of poor weather. I tend to remember the emotion of being irritated more than the specifics of what caused it. I know I said "God he's sh....." on a few occasions though.

I'm 99% sure it was Mathers because he stood there and watched the ball bounce to let Keegan Hirst score under the sticks. If ever there was an example of signing a player who didn't give a flying one then he was it for me.

I;m not saying he's sh*t. he's a young lad and you can see there is potentail and not a little ability. Just at the moment maybe he would be better out of the firing line, he seems to be panicking and when you make a few howlers it can mess with your head. The up and under he dropped being a case in point, it wasn't that great a kick, but he was under no pressure at all, he jst got his position all wrong, and basically you could see his confidence draining and knew he was going to foul it up. Which he did.

I think he could be a decent player, but Campbell should be ahead of him right now.

Agreed FA.

As for Batley away it definitely was Mathers at fullback that let the ball bounce.

Mathers, it was a bit of a shame. You could see his mind was willing but he just wasn't effective anymore. He knew where he needed to be but it was like his boots were filled with lead weights. I felt sorry for him more often than not.

I think the memory of that Batley try is what stops me feeling sorry for him. He wasn't far away from me and I remember people all around shouting at him wondering why the hell he just stood and watched the ball bounce when he could have got to it with a bit of effort.

It's starting to frustrate me more now. All we wanted last season was more effort from players who were clearly better than they were putting in. Now we're getting all the effort in the world, but from lads that just aren't quite at that level yet. Is it too much to ask for BOTH?

No he came on at HB and was pump

garbage for other reasons than dropping the ball.
As someone else said earlier in the thread he isn't an RL player naturally and it shows a bit.

You can learn given the chance. For now though I'd put Campbell there as anyone watching yesterday's game will be targeting Thomas with lots of kicks.

Before his leg fracture, Campbell was regarded as one of the better Championship fullbacks. He's fully recovered now, and we are (nominally) a championship (academy....) side, so it's time to give him an extended run I think.

I would prefer some stability and dependability at full back at the moment and Campbell seems to deliver that. Gives confidence to the youngsters.

It takes a lot longer though. As previously stated about the likes of Clare they just seem to naturally know what to do almost instinctively. That means that can concentrate on doing the other things better than everyone else.

Lilley is also another one who just seems to have the game running through his veins.

Whilst I agree that the bomb that he dropped was a game changer I still think he's a good player. He has claimed some high kicks under pressure as well and IIRC he has won us a couple of penalties for being tackled in the air.

I thought Oscar was one of our better players against KR despite having a group of lads sat behind me slating him all game!