Drop Niall at out peril, i watched the Wigan game also.

And my take on O'Brien is, he is more of a half than a fullback, good scooting around the pack, awareness of other players around him.

But seemed to be lacking something as a fullback, didn't stand back and watch the game, as a good fullback shud do and cover all the back line , if u watched Niall when he came on, he was 20yds behind the salford defence covering the across the field and shouting at the defence.

Niall for me is a far better fullback , with O'Brien as a good cover..

If Niall is dropped the agents will be round like fly's round u no what, and before we know it another youngster stolen from under us. Same as we lost young Theo to agents and x coaches.

I for one are looking forward to see how Lannon progresses over the coming season.

A couple of things looking at Hull's pack we have problems as they are massive compared to ours hence we should be doing everything to find a big prop to come in even at this late stage, I hope they are still looking to try and sort this coz some of our props aint big enough (looking at our props compared to Hull's and its frightening!). A prop on loan from somewhere else perhaps if Haggerty isn't up to scratch - surprised we didn't sort this unless we are planning to play down the flanks?. I wouldn't drop Evalds whatsoever unless injured and I can't see where O'Brien fits in except the halves, but can he play in the hooking role to get some extra guile around the pack, don't know if he ever has (whats his pace like for a quick scoot?) Lastly whats with Luke Frixou (looked great on video!, listed as a centre/2nd row but no squad number? Cheers boys, happy to be corrected at any point with a smile!icon_smile.gif

red in buxton, you say that (and I am a big Niall fan too and think he should also start) BUT he was at fault for Manfredi's try vs Wigan.

Reading the Hull forum sounds like we don't need to bother turning up and that there going to win by 40. Talk is all about there massive pack and how we're going to get dominated and smashed!

something's never change

The competition for places will be key to any success we may have.

Sheens has said that we no longer have any idiots in the squad. (His own words) so I think that Niall will be keen to try and cement his place. This can only be a positive thing, hopefully bringing out the best in our players. I'm sure Niall will buckle-down and come back better.

I can't honestly believe what I read on this forum at times, Evalds was our best back last season and will be a superb player.

O'Brien isn't a Full Back end of, if Evalds gets dropped for him then it's same old Salford I'm afraid, shooting themselves in the foot.

In the relation to the need for a 'big prop' I do think that these big blockbusting props will not do as well with this new interchange rules in place. Small mobile props capable of big minutes is what will be useful.

Really? Who posted that then?

Quite a few on the Salford post which runs for 13 pages

So you can't specifically point any out

The only one I saw was a post in jest

Try looking on your own threads, a few Salford fans think they have got the game won in the backs


After putting 60 past our neighbours their is an air of confidence with the fc fans for once

Unless you have big mobile props like Hull have this season.
Watts and Green have to be two of the fastest in Super League.You know Scott Taylor well from last season then we have 23 year old Bowden who is Quick and Gareth Ellis to come in.
Wont mention Feka but he can also run a bit

Luke Frixou anyone? 6 ft 4 17 stone does he play for us coz he has no squad number but he could be good with those figures, in any position if he can play?

As a Hull fan, I'm amazed that Evalds may not be in your line up, all class that lad from what i have seen. Good for us i spose.

O'brien played very well at FB during pre season. Linked up well with the halves.

What do you think of Tommy Lee? He started out as the outstanding half back of his age group and was touted as a future international but never kicked on.

Official 19...

2 Justin Carney

7 Michael Dobson

1 Niall Evalds

13 Mark Flanagan

10 George Griffin

3 Josh Griffin

33 Josh Jones

17 Phil Joseph

8 Craig Kopczak

16 Olsi Krasniqi

21 Ryan Lannon

9 Tommy Lee

6 Rob Lui

11 Ben Murdoch-Masila

14 Gaz O’Brien

22 Matt Sarsfield

4 Junior Sa’u

19 Logan Tomkins

15 Adam Walne

So, no real shocks here I think...

Tommy Lee was one of the top hookers last year before his injury.

Haha, no he wasn't. He's been very average for us and in my eyes is lucky to still be at the club. Will tackle and try hard but overs no zip going forward. Would rather have Haughton from you guys

I know these kind of things are subjective, but I don't see where you are coming from on this one. He may not be the quickest hooker in the world but he works his socks off in attack and defense, has a great kicking game and can fill in in a number of different positions and roles. I was very skeptical when we signed him as I didn't really rate him, but he's been really good for us, and his appointment to Captain means that the management obviously think highly of him to.

Are you sure you've been watching Salford?

I think his game is too limited to be a top hooker, too slow and lacks a bit of skill. Strong defence, decent passing, kicking and good work ethic though, I would have him as solid SL hooker.

I agree totally.

He's never going to be a world-class ranked hooker, but he is a hard, solid SL hooker. He's been consistently decent for us since signing.

Before the injury against Wigan on Easter Monday Tommy Lee was playing well and contributed to our good form at the time. I also thought he did OK when he came back from injury in the middle 8's. He's not the quickest and doesn't have a top kicking game but he's honest, versatile, has good hands and works hard.

I can't see happening, but I'd like to see Gaz O'Brien on the bench instead of Logan Tomkins. He offers more versatility and will do a decent job at hooker when Tommy Lee needs to be spelled.

1. Evalds
2. Carney
3. Jones
4. Sa'u
5. Griffin
6. Lui
7. Dobson
8. Kopczak
9. Lee
10. G Griffin
11. Murdoch-Masila
12. Sarsfiled
13. Flanagan

14. O'Brien
15. Lannon
16. Krasniqi
17. Walne

They won't drop Tomkins i'm betting O'Brien will play FB.