I think that's what we'll see whenever Deacs is fit. Unfortunately Deacs being fit seems to be becoming a rarity these days

I agree with calls for Sam to return to 6.

A full back's primary job is to be the last line of defence. Against poorer teams, it is a license to slot into the attacking line and expose gaps in the opposition but against better teams more emphasis has to go on defending. Using Sam at full back negates his attacking qualities for too much of the game against the better teams.

I would have liked to see us sign a proper full back for this season (probably from the NRL, were any available) but given we didn't, I don't think we should be playing our star player out of position (and yes, I do realise we won the GF with Sam playing at 1).

If we are to return to our best, it is essential the players get used to playing with each other in their long term positions. For me that means going with Roberts at full back, Sam at 6, Finch at 7 and Tommy at 9, with McIlorum coming on from the bench, possibly for Finch with Leuluaoi switching to scrum half. Richards to return soon out on the wing and the centre spot inside of Goulding is up for grabs between Joel, Marsh and Charnley.

That's just me personal opinion but whatever Maguire decides, we have to stick with it for 6 or 7 games (injuries permitting), and if we do get any injuries we need to be moving the minimum number of players around as possible.

Give our creative players (Sam, Tommy, Finch & O'Loughlin) a run of games together and I have no doubt once the pitches start hardening up for the summer we'll be putting big points on some of the weaker teams in this league, and a few of the better ones too!

Not often i disagree with you Brian, but for me at the end of the game ie the last 20 or so Tomkins had moved up to play at 6 and not as a 1, he got himself around the ruck at first receiver and worked the link at second receiver, at this stage Roberts had dropped to 1.

Moving him into the traditional ball handling position changed the game, after to be fair a pretty average display at 1, and one that was easy for his opponents to nullify.

No you misunderstand dear boy. I merely cite you as someone who has posted in favour of Roberts on numerous occasions. I think you have proven time and time again that your opinion is not in the least bit valuable.


Back to the topic, Pat is the better number 1. Safer and has better defence.

I do find the latter part of your first paragraph amusing given the hissy fits you have had over the years on here when I have made you look silly!

FYI you do not win championships with safe.

As usual Brett your ignorance of the game and attitude continues to let you down.

You start a thread about players playing out of position....then put a wing at full back?!

Genius.

I am genuinely embarrassed for you, Locky is crap, Noble is the way forward etc etc etc............

Richards at fullback is a non-starter.

You can't possibly play him there when you consider the way we structure our attack, indeed the way most teams structure their attack now. For our attack to be at its most effective you have to play a good ball handler at fullback. For all his qualities, Richards is not a good passer of the ball.

At fullback, its a straight choice between Tomkins and Roberts and its a hugely difficult choice. Roberts is off form but its hard to envisage him regaining his best form doing anything other than playing in a prominent position.

There's also another issue to consider in that if you move Tomkins to a halfback role, there's then no place for Paul Deacon who most would agree was important to us at key stages last year.

FWIW my personal opinion is that we should give Roberts a run of games at fullback in upcoming fixtures against 'lesser' teams and then reassess. Tomkins and Finch at halfback and Leuluai to 9.

I would give Roberts the next 2-3 games and if that doesnt work out...IMO its time for Matty Russell to get his chance.

What a pompous statement.

I will let you off if you have changed your mind