Did you see his performance yesterday?

Are these young lads at the level of Ainscough and Tomkins? Are they even at the level of J Tomkins never mind Sam?

You are equating them as being as ready as the current players breaking into the team and as those players are both backs I'd say you will have to wait longer for the young forwards to be capable to challenging Hansen for a permanent place in the side.

To bracket Hansen with those young players is not correct IMO.

Dave

Have you ever seen Farrell/Mossop/Flanagan play on a consistant basis?

No but since when does one game prove anything? Going over the last two seasons Hansen is at least Bailey's equal. All of a sudden we have LsoW writing him off permanently. Long term I am sure Hansen will regain form and develop further. Bailey is at his peak now.

Dave

No that is why I asked the questions. Are they ready? My opinion is it is unlikely they are given their ages and experience and the positions they play.

So have you seen them play on a consistent basis and if you have, do you think they are ready to take over from Hansen in 2010?

Dave

Do remember, Hansen has been part of the 1st team since 2004, that's 5 years. 5 years since he started he's just been left out of the team and not a ripple was made in his absence. This to be says something.

I don't know why you persist with Hansen, possibly at the cost of other emerging players, wouldn't you like to see another player given a shot who could offer more?

I often watch the reserve teams, and the back row are often streets ahead of their opposition, it is clear to see they are all on the verge of breaking in to the team, Farrell looks especially impressive.

Problem is, there is only 17 players who can be selected on match day. I'd sooner see one of these lads given a spot on the bench in front of someone (Hansen) who isn't missed.

I don't think Hansen input as been missed one bit, just like McIlorum.

I'd really love to see the set up of Hock and O'Loughlin in second row, with J. Tomkins being given a good run at Loose Forward.

I know Hansen as been with us a very long time and is also classed as a 'Home-Grown' but Mossop should at least be gaining a subs bench spot! Hard call tbh.. Someone as to go, to much competion for one spot



On the backs front, it's out of Roberts and Ainsocugh and Phelps who gets dropped, if everyone's fit. Noble won't drop his 'Blue-Eyed Boys' Carmont and Richards, Gleeson is defo in the squad, so two of the three above.

Phelps? ---- Been superb pass couple of games
Ainscough? ---- Best young talent in the squad, scoring for fun
Roberts? ----- Any good points, apart from a decent back-up kicker if Richards is off form..

Exactly. This is the issue. No one is saying Hansen is rubbish, just that there are other options that we should look at, even more so considering Hansen isn't missed when he doesn't play. for me, He wouldn't even get in the 17, the other players offer more.

Team for Saints- (If Piggy is out)

Phelps/Richards (Phelps is a better FB but we need a kicker)
Richards/Roberts Gleeson Carmont
Tomkins Smith
Fielden Tommy Coley
Hock Bailey
Lockers
-------------
Prescott Feka McClorum Tomkins.

Not my line up, but one I can see Noble going for.

I do watch them on a consistant basis but I don't think they'll be given the opportunity in 2009 let alone take over from Hansen in 2010. However, on current form, Farrell and Mossop are on track to play first team and Flanagan is doing pretty well too.

The problem we have, is that we have O'Loughlin, Hock, J. Tomkins, Hansen, Mossop, Farrell and Flanagan all about to compete for the same two positions & at least two of those will drop out. On current first team form/reserve grade progress- O'Loughlin, Hock, J. Tomkins, Mossop and Farrell are/will be superior to Hansen IMO.

Agreed.

Hansen to come in for Bailey for me. Bailey offers absolutely nothing for me except he talks to the players when we have just conceded. Hopefully Hansen will get to top form because there is serious competition in the back row these days

I would like to see Hansen, Hock and Joel running angles with Smith giving them quality ball, this could bring the best out of all of them

He will need to improve if he wants to keep a spot in the 17 in future years. For next season I would like to see one of Eamon/Prescott go on a season's loan and have Mossop backing up 4 frontline props. Hock Hansen Lockers and Joel being our backrowers with Farrell backing them up.

might have known you would have pulled the Golden Wonder out of the hat, let it go he is Poo

Pretty easy for me....Id say roberts by some considerable distance tbh.

Take it you weren't there again yesterday then!

I was stuck in Traffic, Damn the M62

Funny that! All the people who criticise O'Loughlin seem to get stuck on the M62 regularly....

*cough*Doesn't seem to stop them spouting though*cough*

I thought it would be interesting to raise this thread again...

I can't see Hansen featuring on Saturday after J. Tomkins' good display at Murrayfield.

I'd like to see him play amongst the reserves on Friday night personally. It'll do him a world of good to take on a leadership role opposed to just being recognized as the ''work horse''.

Tomkins is starting to play the way he was doing with Barrett last season, running & angle wise he is probably our best option. His try on saturday was a perfect example. Barrett loved finding him last season and lets hope Smith continues to do the same.

Feka?

There are two things here. Nobby might put him back in this weekend to 'give him a run' or (as I think should happen) Nobby sticks with the same pack, don't fix whats not broken etc. Hansen should come back if

a) Someone gets injured.
b) Someone loses form
c) He earns the right with outstanding performance in the reserves.

However, I would like to keep Hanses as he is a good squad player. We need strength in depth and competition for places. Yes we have Farrell and Mossop in the reserves but are the ready for SL yet?

Same question as last week though:

Who do you drop for Hansen this week?

In regards to Mossop and Farrell, they could cope with Super League with ease, but aren't ready yet. If they stay on current course then both will be excellent SL players.

Nobody.

Its up to Hansen now, regardless of how he plays in the reserves the standard is not a reflection on how he would go in SL.

Hansen now has to worry about outperforming the likes of Farrell in the Reserves and ensuring he is the next in line once there is an injury or loss in form. If he does get a chance he has to take it, if his form slips below that of Farrell in the reserves then he may as well look for other options as it would be doubtfull there would be a way back.

Yep, all down to himself, you won't worry about the likes of Hock, Tomkins or Bailey, just get your head down and perform your better in the reserves! Earn it back

Stick with same for me. He has to earn it/prove himself.