He was very innefective yesterday when running the ball in. He seemed to get dominated pretty much every time

Perfectly summed up. The likes of Leuluai, Evans and Schofield scored loads of tries in the centre of the field by supporting the half breaks of others - anticipating what was going to happen.

Can't remember the last time I left a game thinking how outstanding Yeaman was and how he'd swayed the game in our favour. When was the last time he was MOM either sponsor's or on here ?

A decent player but not top quality and I doubt he would last in the pack because he is a bit too small.

The lack of this in several positions is a problem we've had for a few years now, and Yeaman's part of it. Our support play for the last few seasons has consisted of Horne, whoever was at fullback, and now Long. The better sides also tend to have all the 3/4's and hooker too, and even backrowers. I'm still not sure whether the problem lies with coaching, laziness, or just a simple lack of vision to see the opportunities until it's too late.

Tansey - Hodgson
Brown - R Horne
Brough - Long
Robinson - Berro

For me we win 3 out of those 4 one on one battles.

Would it be a fair observation though to say that the game is far more structured now then it was back then? (meaning the outside backs scoot and then stay in position for set moves)

I dont recall games been played at the times of the players you mention restricting certain players through structure.

Why is nothing ever Yeaman's fault? First it was all down to Cooke leaving and now he's 'restricted' by structure? Why do these 'restrictions' not stop other SL centres? Or for that matter Hall when he plays and Briscoe on Yeaman's wing?

Yeaman has huge gaps in the skill set required of a centre, but for some reason he gets away with it when others with fewer flaws get flogged. It's a puzzle.

Think it's a combination of issues, but the main one for me is lack of rugby smarts. We have too many players who just don't have RL brains, although the situation has improved this season.

I guess having a duff or no Scrum Half with the subsequent lack of opportunities may also have discouraged back up play. Maybe we'll eventually adjust now that we have some creativity to feed off.

BDT has a valid point regards the changing structure of the teams compared to yesteryear, hell Steve Evans spent most of his time in the opposition attacking line waiting for the interception!



I am also struggling to remember when for example I have seen Senior pop up on the right hand side for Leeds or Gidley on the left at Saints because players do play down their particular channels nowadays.

That said I do agree about Yeamans lack of 'flair' in the attacking department but I also think defensively he is still one of the best and also an excellent finisher from close in with good ball.

Ahahahaha

And yet I can regularly remember them getting MOM awards and basically winning games for their teams with outstanding displays. I can remember them being on the shoulder of players making half breaks. And I can remember them defending equally as well if not better than Yeaman on a regular basis.

What I can't remember is the last time Yeaman won a MOM award with a 'head and shoulders above everyone else' performance. I can remember both Turner and Whiting doing so even as 'fill-in' centres.

As it happens I think Yeaman is an OK player but no better than that. I don't know why his place in the team appears to be automatic because I don't think his performances warrant it.

Spot on.

I completely agree that Yeaman shouldnt be an automatic choice for selection every game.

I didnt say Yeamo has no faults. Are you not in agreement though that Cooke leaving has hampered Yeamo's service? Are you also not in agreement that the structure of the game is different now? Whats your thoughts on the other SL centres and the service they get from their halves? (Senior for example has Burrow, McGuire and Sinfield giving pretty decent service)

I've said since pre-season that Hally would be my choice for left centre in front of Yeamo.

i would have hall at left centre this week and see how he goes. if he can't cut it against the poorer teams in his preferred position then we know we should use other options at left centre in future.

i think after his form at the back end of last season (6 tries in 7 games?) he should get a chance

He won't though, will he? Constantly moved around. In and out of the team at the drop of a hat whilst other players are on the team sheet irrespective of form.

I've always like and defended Hall, but think this just looks like a season where he's just playing out his contract before moving onto a club where he's valued for what he brings to the team

no i very much doubt it i'm afraid as i feel given a game or so in his best position he could push yeaman for that spot. unfortunately yeaman is virtually guaranteed a spot providing he is fit at the moment with him being our most experienced 3/4.

i also echo your sentiments about hall seemingly playing out his contract this year before leaving although as he has been moved around and rarely given a shot in his best position here it would probably be in his own best interests to move on

Worth a mention again this week...starting to look like the best centre we have if I be honest...takes the ball well, solid defence and looks for work...keep it up kid

took his try well, great kid hope he stays at centre over the next few weeks

And a Gidley-esque pass to boot! We have our right centre IMO.

you've hit the nail on the head there!

Yep, getting better every week. Amusing also that Yeaman did knack all, yet pulled out a trademark massive hit near the end.

He got through plenty of work, made good ground every time he touched it and put Briscoe away with a classic piece of centre play. Defensively he was sound too.

Thought Briscoe did really well tonight in a tight game. Must have won us 4 or 5 relieving penalties.

Try watching a full game instead of players legs.