Is it a compliment to be described as a modern day Gary Sanderson?

James Laithwaite is going about his business quietly and I hope it stays that way because he has been superb in defence this season. He's a hard runner who probably does lack a little in attack at present but this will come with maturity and experience of playing games at SL level.

Tony Smith has recognised his talents and he is clearly a starter now in the second row, so fair play to him and his hard work has paid off so far.

If he keeps going, he can be a future England player no danger

Not too concerned about that, as on the flip side in the whole of SL he is;

6th in total tackles (our top tackler)
4th in marker tackles (our top marker tackler)

I'm sure his team mates will appreciate that hard work.

We have many other players making plenty of tackle busts, carries, metres. We could do with an increase in our clean breaks and offloads, I'm sure they will come.

I am very happy with James Laithwaite's contribution at the moment. Every side needs a back row who is a tackling machine and a workhorse. We've got him.

Look at the flip side, Westerman, great in attack, turnstile in defence.
I know what i prefer.

As a kid watching the game in the eighties, I never quite understood why Sanderson got the plaudits. That was of course before I realised defence wins games. The hoover was a great nickname, nothing got past him, and he was 100% consistent. If Laithwaite continues in that ilk, I don't give a flying fart as to his offensive game (not that it's shabby anyway) - he'll go from strength to strength. Totally businesslike and professional, nothing showy, but could be the backbone of our pack for years. And a born Wire too. What's not to love?