Fullback is the one area that I think Gentle will find hard to stick to his desired like for like policy should McKinnon be out at any point. If it happens for any big games that's an awful lot of pressure for Lyne. He may shine, but depending on the circumstances it may be an exception where it would be better/safer to reshuffle slightly.

Too much pressure on Lyne to fill those boots. And I cant just see it now:

'McKinnon injured, Whiting to FB, What about giving the kids a chance?'. False promises, blah blah blah.

Phelps would have been useful as back up.

HOWEVER Gentle has not said or done that, or played anyone at full back OR given any false promises as yet has he !!!

I know what you're saying about the predictable response, but I personally think the club were right to let Phelps go. He's too good/expensive to just be kept around in case of injuries, but I wouldn't personally have thought he'd make the 17 otherwise.

I've thought that myself Carl, Horne and Whiting have played there before and if Pearce is moved to the wing then maybe Sharp could cover.

But ideally I'd like to see Lyne given a shot if McKinnon is missing.

I think as a short term measure only, I'd lean towards Horne depending on how Nicklas/Ellis are doing. I'd give Lyne a chance in the cup depending on the draw though, and probably even against the lower end of SL. It would be throwing him in out of his depth too soon that I'd be worried about, it could be counter-productive. The likes of Briers/Sinfield/Dobson could cause him a lot of trouble and knock his confidence, better to build up to that level of pressure if at all possible.

PG tonight mentioned Lyn as a spine player tonight which suggests he will be first choice fullback cover.

i would judge PG,s judgement over yours to be honest

I thought Jack Briscoe was a fullback, I know he's been playing on the wing last year for the u20's anyone know what his preferred position is?

PG mentioned tonight That pierce is going to be a wide running 2nd rower, doesnt have the engine for a prop

Cheers mate.

Is that "wide-running", or "wide, running"?

probably both

I've got that other end of the stick you where looking for. I said this is what I predict will be said by fans if Lyne isn't put in as a straight replacement. I trust Gentle in everything he does.

It's not just my judgement though, is it? Lyne has played for the first team on the wing and continuously has been found out. OTOH, he has been said to be too good for the U20s.

I hope I'm wrong and Lyne, and when the time is right he can fill the boots he asked to. It's just a worry.

The big problem was that everyone was caught out in our wide defence so hard to single out Lyne.

Lyne has been suspect in defence a few times and has been caught out. Lets hope that now PG is at the club he (Lyne) has been given a confidence boost and received some half decent coaching.

True, I honestly don't think he has been ready when I have seen him play 1st team. As I say, I hope he does make the step up and prove he is, at FB or winger. Apart from those positions I'd say we have sound cover across the park.

I think Whitting would be the best replacement for McKinnon if he got injured long term but I dont have a clue what position he has been training in.

Back row.

i think we all need to remember that Lyne is still young and relatively inexperienced and with that comes errors, with his natural ability and good training i think we will see a big improvement in him this season.

Well wont be the best option then.

Sharp was made the scapegoat last season which was unfair as the majority of the time he was left covering 2/3 attackers.Where were the others on that right hand side,and why weren't they blamed more for this? As for sunday,interesting that PG said Lynch and Moa would be the starting props,with O'Meley on the bench.

This is the thing that excites me the most about Gentle, all the noises suggest he does not choose a position based on the name of a player but on the effort etc. If he maintains this stance and chooses players on ability we fair well. Players must fight for their shirts it is a recipe for success and one we have not followed for a few years now.

agree about sharp he was exposed too often then hung out to dry as at fault, given a decent sliding defence and game structure he will go on to be a huge fans favourite and score a bag full this year I am certain.... his commitment simply cannot be questioned and his work rate is exemplary taking the ball up at least once in every six so he will go ok this year, also think martin will shine with him too