Trouble is with them stats is it looks good when you work out "Average per Carry" and he turns out better than Peacock. But in doing that youve overlooked the fact that Peacock has made more Tackles, Missed Less, Played Less Games (OK only 1 but still).

But regarding Meters the key factor (especially with Props) is their effort working for the team, and on that basis Peacock has made more than 70 more drives and more than 450m more than Fielden. For a prop these 2 are the crucial stats IMO more than metres made as it shows that the player is taking alot of the workload and setting a platform, with regards to that Peacock is the far superior player (as everyone really knows anyway)

Stats are all very well but everyone knows that our props haven't done it for us this year so far.
That's why we are all saying that area is a signings priority.
Yes we need a half back, yes a full back too but the first and foremost signings have to be at least two props for next year, or one this year if possible.

Everyone keeps talking about how we need a full back, and we do, but as far as i'm concerned it should be near the bottom of the list.

It seems that to have an attacking fullback is sort of an extra piece of the jigsaw for the big teams, who are solid everywhere else and can afford an excellent attacking fullback (webb for example), for teams mid-table like us at the minute, as long as the fullback is solid and competent under the high ball thats all they need to do. Obviously linking up with the line would be nice, but its not essential to the success of the team, its an extra tactic that could be used when your that good everywhere else and adds an extra option to breaking down teams. I'd much rather have a solid dependable fullback (richards) than a full back who couldnt catch of tackle for the life of them but linked up in play and scored the odd try.



Or non of what i said made sense at all, and im just talking rubbish.

The one very glaring issue that you state as a measure for props, 70 more carries etc. A prop IS NOT THE ONE DECIDING WHEN HE CARRIES.

Don't get me wrong i am just playing devils advocate, but is nobody curious as why in the blue hell we give our forwards such little ball.

I just wonder how much of it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy, we give our forwards little ball because we don't have the confidence in them........ wonder what message that gives them.

It's clear that something is 'wrong' in the chemistry/communication/comradeship in the team. They certainly all are not busting their ass for each other as a complete team.

How I see it is that Fielden is now getting far less game time than he used to. He was regularly doing 70 minutes, now he is probably doing 50, that would account for the "number of carries" and metres made being less.

Its a poor stat.

Fielden made 22 metres in one game against Leeds the other week, thats the stats we should be more concerned with.

What position is he? Never heard of him.

Please

In order of priority for me over the next couple of off seasons we should be looking at signing-

1-Prop
2-Halfback
3-prop(when Fielden goes)
4-Fullback

I'm happy enough with us muggling through with Richards/Roberts at fullback until we sort out the other 3 players i believe we need before we get a recognised fb.

We should be looking at getting a prop and a halfback in for next year imo with the other prop and a fullback coming in for the year after.

If because of circumstances we can bring in the 2nd prop or fullback a year early then great but i doubt it.

End of the day Saints have had plenty of success in over the SL period with a $hit FB so it can’t be that critical in achieving success.

Say what you want about Wellens, but over the last god knows how many years he's been a cracking FB. awards, good try scoring record, good support etc.

If you're naming the top players Saints have had over the last 7 years or so it's easy to see how important a FB is.

I didn't write that



Wellens is a cracking superleague fullback and the sort of fullback we could do with but it still shouldn't be seen as a priority until we've sorted out 2 props and a halfback.

Think the general feel is that a prop and possibly two is the more important signing to be made.

I'd like to see an enforcer prop (which Stu should be) and another impact prop.

With this I'd start with the new impact prop signing and the enforcer.
My other two props would be Feka and Stu/Prescott on the bench.

After 20mins or so of the impact battering the defensive line I'd sub him for Feka, between the two of them they could charge at the opposition for the full 80.

The enforcer prop to play around 30-35 mins then to be subbed for Stu/Prescott. keep them on till around the 60 min mark bringing the enforcer back on for the last 15-20.

Totally agree!!

But I only think we'll sign one prop.

I hope to see the back of Phelps, Bailey, Coley and Prescott at the end of 2009, hopefully making way for a new prop and halfback

Frontline set up next year being

8 - New Prop
9 - Riddell/Leuluai
10 - Fielden
11 - Hock
12 - O'Loughlin (2nd Row!!!!!!!!!!!!! Noble)
13 - J. Tomkins

Subs
Riddell/Leuluai
Feka
O'Carroll
Mossop/Hansen

I think that frontline is quite decent, heaven forbid any serious injuries.

Then end of 2010 bye bye!! Fielden (

), Hansen and Carmont (maybe)to go

Mossop taking Hansen's position in the squad, and with the Mighty Fielden's hold over us gone, another decent prop and a GOOD fullback.

With neither Richards or Roberts being exactly comfortable at fullback, I would expect Phelps to be kept on as he can cover every position within the backline.

Bailey, Smith and Coley (and perhaps Goulding) to be moved on at end of the year.

A halfback and a prop forward to be next years signings.

100% Agree.

If Phelps keeps his recent form up until the end of the year i'd defo keep him on for another year or 2.

and were do you place Aniscough??

Phelps must go.

Unless he really shows up at 6.

Its no fault of his own but given Roberts is on a 4 year deal and we are strong in the backs Phelps has to go, unless he becomes the 6 we badly need.

On the wing?

I got an idea for fullback

REARDON you never know, he might last 12days with us

Why if he is on a low wage and can cover every position. At the moment Id keep him over Pryce.

Phelps is taking up a quota spot, thats one good reason.

and we simply don't need him, his cap could go towards a prop which we do need.

But I do feel people will be shortly arguing that he's a better FB than Pat.

The quota will probably be the reason he goes, I really dont believe his salary would make or break a prop forward signing. Bailey's can do that all by itself.



So we do need him, since he will prove to be easily the best fb at the club!

Phelps could go and if Noble is to depart as well then we may bring back a former full back who's currently in Union.
No way would Noble allow Ashton back into the club but a different coach could very well have a different view on it.