Hopefully this fad will soon disappear as its cost us 2 tries in the past 3 weeks. The McGuire try when Webb chipped over and Rovers match winning try on Saturday both would have been prevented IMO if Russell had been in the defensive line not locking the scrum at 13.

There were 2 tackles made after the scrum before Hodgson scored. That was not the reason.

Rovers players lined up to score that try.
Having even Billy Slater would not have made a difference.

He did have 2 tackles to get in position. I couldnt beleive he was nowhere near the right position to have an effect on the Hodgson try

A tactic most coaches use these days, to save the FB being out of position in tackle 1 or caught up in the ruck.

One of the wingers should be prepared to cover him though dpependant on which way the ball moves

I'm not against it per se but if your going to use that tactic the FB has to sweep across the line as the ball moves wide and his first movement should be back towards his own line. Russell has got caught out a couple of times because he was ball watching. The tactic itself is ok IF used correctly.

yes, yes it would have

Oh dear

Not defending Russell as we should have had a fullback to make a challenge but from what I can remember I seem to think Dobson was screaming for the ball on the inside anyway so once he had got past Sharp it was always going to be a try.

Not seen much of Billy Slater later have you

i have....he's absolutley garbage. he's quick...but so is kevin penny

He must have been injured because if you watch it he starts the tackles in the defensive line but holds his ground gabbing to the physio


He is miles out of position and just even begin tracking across until it is miles too late

Personally, I think the hooker should pack down at loose. A far better tactic, as he can pass the ball on from loose or scoot like at any PTB. The hooker is effectively "quarter back" in this sense and shouldn't even be considered a forward anymore these days.

I'm with the OP. The sooner this fad disappears the better.

even wellens would have stopped him. Shocking positioning from the FB. Would't be surprised if he were dropped for Sunday

Seems a bit harsh for one mistake and who would replace him?

In truth the game was lost in the last 12 minutes not the last minute.