I paid close attention to him because in the week Shaun Wane had said he was the player he was most fearful of and he was right. I thought he was fantastic and caused us no end of problems. He's clearly benefitting from playing on the back of Ikahihifo who himself was brilliant but the lad looks to have far more to his game then just scooting on the back of a prop scattering defenders.

I commented to the lads I was with at the game that he looks like a real alround hooker. His distribution looked good, he was taking the ball to the line and probing for space to put others in to and when there was an opportunity he was testing the defence himself.

On that showing he's got every chance of England honours. Josh Hodgson will be first choice for the World Cup but there's a place for another hooker in the squad and Daryl Clark (who I think can be brilliant and would usually be a shoe in, isn't in the best form).

Great to see Kruise getting recognition from other clubs. However, as much as it is good to know he can do 80mins at an excellent standard... it can kill players off doing it week in week out especially with him still been young so hopefully AOB will be back next week.

His partnership with Adam O'Brien I hope we get to see for many years as I really rate Adam as well.

Talking of young players....I'd like to give a mention to Tyler Dickinson who I thought was excellent when he came on the other night.

Tyler did indeed do well. Very telling too that he got the nod over Daniel smith.
We have another couple of young hookers in the U19s who look good too. One lad Ethan salm was playing at hooker but has played everywhere from fullback, in the halves, hooker and recently been filling in at prop! Will have to see where the club think he will fit best. Personally I'd like to see him at loose as he's a strong tackler, a good strong runner and as an ex half a good ball handler.
Young jack Flynn is just a first year but I've been really impressed with what I've seen from him. As a 16 yr old up against 18 year old props in the middle he's shown a great deal of maturity. His distribution is excellent - needs to work on his running game a little but for such a young lad looks very very good.
We aren't going to be short of hookers that's for sure!

yeh dont want to burn put leeming, no news on obrien???? hope hes back asap, was working well with him.

agree on dickinson he had a good little cameo friday, hope he builds on it but might not get chance unless he gets ahead of mason

Leeming was my tip for "most improved player of the year" ok its not over yet, there are others, but as a youngster, must be way ahead by now,