[quote="rubber duckie":1twiv2m7]I have no issue with Ratchford playing halfback. He is like a John Woods. He is fit as he walks everyday for miles on top of his club training schedule.[/quote:1twiv2m7] I don't think I can compare Stefan Ratchford to John Woods. Are we not trying to establish a team capable of finishing #1 or #2 in the league and winning the Grand Final? Do you think that is possible with a 36 year old Ratchford at scrum half?

Tom Whitehead has played well in the friendly's. He has lot of skill and he's working hard. I know there is a lot of competition in his position but he's stepping up.

[quote="Or thane":26m2ok55]I wouldn't say it's a big shout at all, unlucky Hayes got injured, but we've seen Leyland play a full season and seen what he can do. Fair enough we haven't seen the same amount of game between them, but from what we've seen Leyland has a better kicking game and takes the line on more. So from what we've seen he is 'Currently' a better player than Hayes. I Hope Hayes gets back to 100% and kicks on, i'm not saying Hayes is average or miles behind Hayes but taking the rose tinted glasses off with Hayes, Leyland has a better all round game so is better.[/quote:26m2ok55] I don't want to come across as argumentative for the sake of it, but fair play to you and others that have "seen Leyland play a full season", I've only managed to watch him on three or four occasions, so the jury is still out for me and I suspect others, rather than rose tinted viewing either way. From what I have seen on [b:26m2ok55]limited viewing[/b:26m2ok55] they BOTH take the line on Leyland has a better kicking game and Hayes is better defensively. Hayes did really well pre-injury, well enough to keep Drinkwater at bay, let's see whether Leyland can do the same with his chance I'm open minded BTW not backing one against the other as I said previously may the best man win

[quote="Smiffy27":2mu8ucy3]Tom Whitehead has played well in the friendly's. He has lot of skill and he's working hard. I know there is a lot of competition in his position but he's stepping up.[/quote:2mu8ucy3] Yes really liking the look of Whitehead, thought he's done very well.

[quote="Uncle Rico":3n1tk4jw]I don't want to come across as argumentative for the sake of it, but fair play to you and others that have "seen Leyland play a full season", I've only managed to watch him on three or four occasions, so the jury is still out for me and I suspect others, rather than rose tinted viewing either way. From what I have seen on [b:3n1tk4jw]limited viewing[/b:3n1tk4jw] they BOTH take the line on Leyland has a better kicking game and Hayes is better defensively. Hayes did really well pre-injury, well enough to keep Drinkwater at bay, let's see whether Leyland can do the same with his chance I'm open minded BTW not backing one against the other as I said previously may the best man win[/quote:3n1tk4jw] Oh yeah i don't take things as an argument, and apologies if that's how i came off. I'm just going off what i've seen and obviously everyone has favourites etc But as i say i hope Hayes kicks on and gets back to full fitness and form. I think if the likes of Russell and Fitz hit form and stay injury free, i think we have and extra gear this year. And i hope Holroyd gets a good amount of game time this year as i think he's brilliant