This is becomming a bit annoying now. The club supposedly has a policy that if your not delivering the goods then you lose your place. This does not appear to be the case with Micky Mcillorum. Last season on a weekly basis he consistantly got shown up by Tommy in attack.

New season, clean slate fair enough but I just do not see how he is going to improve, his ball distribuition is too slow to play at 9 and it slows down the whole team making us slow, predictable and flat. Like alot of occasions last season the minute Micky left the field on Sunday we sprung into life and started playing some decent rugby, the problem was it was too little too late.

i really hope Wane brings through the likes of Mellor, Powell and Russell and gives them the time and patience McIllorum has had.

SIP,
The only problem with bringing Powell in is that he is slower than Tommy and Finch, so it doesn't solve the pace at half back. ( I think Powell may end up as a 9)
Further down the line Ryan Hampshire is very quick but it's far too early for him yet. So that leaves two choices, bring in Russell at fullback and Sam at six or give Mellor a run.

Which ever way we do it I would keep McIlorum at 9 and Tommy at 7 and then introduce Mellor or Russell from the bench, but I don't think Leeds is the game to do it unless we have to.
What is incredibly funny is the "how we miss Piggy" There was myself and about three others who could see just how good he was but had to defend him from the majority on here. I hope someone digs up those old threads.

Rogues.
I accept what you are saying about Powells lack of pace ,you have seen him more than me,I saw him for the first time at Leigh a couple of weeks ago.
But all the talk during the close season as been about replacing Tommy next season,with no mention of Finch.
I have just checked and Finches contract is up in Nov 2012 with no mention of an extension,therefore we have got to start blooding someone now.
Cheers.

That might have been because he was on the field for most of the game. The first half wasn't exactly dominant, it was just a little better and I'd say that has more to do with Mossop and Lima being on the field. When those two went off and Lauaki and Flower were at prop the team looked weak.

I know McIlorum is great defensively, but honestly, what does he offer in attack? It isn't pace around the ruck because he's fairly slow. It isn't powerful running in Cunningham's style. It isn't playmaking ability like Monaghan. Aside from the occasional good kick from dummy half his only attacking tactic is to dummy and run which has yet to be effective.

If he's to remain first choice number 9 he has to develop a presence in attack because he's not a patch on the likes of Roby, Monaghan, Henderson or Burrow.

I agree. I want him to come good as he is a Wigan lad but I think his size is against him, the jury is out for his defence and his attacking centre play.

Back on topic...

If we finish the season having given Russell and Mellor 5 or so games each ill be happy but my concern is Wane has gone into the season with the set up of 1. Sam, 6.Finch, 7.Tommy and 9.McIllorum and this is the way it is staying so unless somebody gets injured the younger players are not going to get a look in.

If you could get him I reckon Eloi Pellisier would be a perfect foil for McIlorum for you, one defensive, stable hooker and one flair, creative, quick hooker.