Quote ="vastman"Also imagine (hyperthetical) that Rangi was a Wakefield player and he was picked over your own up and coming youngster Jimmy Bloggs. Even though Wakefield star Rangi at that point was marginally better and more experienced would you not feel a little disappointed - I would. I'm not sure as to availability etc but I would feel very sorry for Burrows and Myler who though not quite as good this season have had decent seasons as had the lad at Saints.'"
TBH, it's happened to some of our players in the past (Tony Smith/Danny Orr/Dean Sampson) who have been sidelined to accommodate flavour of the month who plays for a "bigger" club. These were players who had the class to do well internationally (and not just in the opinion of Cas fans either, but had a lot of neutrals asking the question as to why they were systematically being left out of the GB teams).
It doesn't matter how good we think they are, however. That doesn't get them a team slot. What I will say is that if Jimmy Bloggs wasn't good enough to get into the team, he should be given no favours but should be given the incentive that if he performs well enough in the future, he will be given the opportunity. That, for me, has been a problem in the past, when the tried, tested and failed players get tried, tested and fail once again.
If there's competition for places, the game gets stronger.
