I'm amazed Leeds have signed Briscoe. Their back line is brilliant. I suppose BJB must be leaving.

Riley won't get any better, maybe it's time to move him on and bring in some fresh blood. Font think bjb is the answer. Rather Atkins on the wing and quality strike bought in.

People are extremely fickle with Riley. Everyone goes quiet when he's doing well but if he buggers up people are on here jumping on him as soon as they can. He is a weakness in defense yes, but I think it's to do with him not trusting Atkins to cover for him on that side, so he panics and flies in often leaving a gap on the wing, having said that though, Atkins left Riles in a 2 on 1 situation in defense multiple times in the Grand Final, and he still managed to shut them down on each occasion, but of course, that was duly ignored by people on here.

He is not the strongest winger in the world but he's solid enough in my opinion. He rarely gets any ball these days because Atkins either comes back inside or Briers is too busy kicking to Joel to score. We got to the GF with him in the side this year so his defensive frailties aren't that bad, surely.

I think it's ironic that people are pinging riley for his positioning, but it's exactly the same conversation we had earlier this year and back in 08 about the left hand side defence of the team.

I don't think we've ever been able to fill that last line of defence mathers offered us.
Going off what you've highlighted FMC, it seems defending wasn't an issue for a few years.

Ratchford needs to look at his techniques, position himself to hold a player up like mathers could.

Mathers was key in holding that centre left line.

I think people are now talking about the season as a whole, and let's be honest, he and Atkins were embarrassing in defence at times. You don't even need a gap to get over the line with those two, you just take them over the line with you whilst they try and grab your sleeves.

Atkins isn't innocent, he too has had a dodgy year, particularly in attack. I don't think Riley should leave, but we definitely have to explore options, both for competition and for improving the team. Last time he had a kick up the a*se he came back and nailed down his place.

Let's get Richie Mathers back. We'll definitely win the Grand Final then.

Having said all that, you still need to have a look at their try scoring. Both are better than average, plus Atkins missed two months of the season through injury.

hey, in not saying that's the answer.
I'm only giving suggestion to were FMC pointed at our failings in defence.
it so happens that it wasn't so big of an issue when mathers was here.

There are two points, go with more expansion offered in attack and loose attributes for a stronger defensive back or visa versa.

Smith decision is for attack over defensive. I'll go with him on it but that leftside of riley atkins ratchford sounds paper thin. Westwood is the sliding defensive guy to beef it up. Still not currently strong enough as a unit for me.

I think if Chris Riley had been dropped when he wasn't performing as required and replaced with Evans, it might have been more palatable to fans. I think TS needs to give this consideration. He is too apt to keep players in when not performing. No wonder younger players leave. Even if they play well (Rhys Evans at season start) they are replaced when the first choice player is fit again

IMO Atkins is the main problem with that side, not Riley. Too often Riley is left wondering who to tackle because his centre has gone missing!!

Ok, so I'm not saying Riley is squeaky clean, far from it, but I think Atkins is the worse defender of the two and the biggest cause of tries down that wing.

I've got to ask..... are you being serious in this post (genuine question) ?

I agree with this. Everyone is quick to have a go at Riley but what about Atkins? He has done little this year and he is more to blame for the weakness down that side than Riley. He never seems to be where he is supposed to be, leaving Riley exposed.

The Team on a whole is outstanding , have to agree Riley and Atkins have had a bit of a nightmare although Atkins has been injured. Riley is constantly moving in field when defending leaving a huge gap for the better wingers in the league to stroll through. A bigger, stronger winger would definitely lift the team and give the forwards a breather on occasion when attacking from our own half. Have faith in our youngsters, we have some incredible talent waiting for a chance to prove themselves properly. The experience Asotasi will bring to the side will be invaluable

It is possible Ben Currie will get more game time next season. He has great feet and speed to burn. With the reintroduction of Penny we will have players to make good yards. That is if Penny plays of course. I just hope people aren't too quick to jump on his back at the first mistake.

They will probably jump on Atkins back.

Sounds like Atkins is a signing in the Matt King class.

Atkins was great the season we finished first and he displayed a real desire. That try he scored against Hull FC away where he stole the ball and ran off along with his Wembley try were outstanding and showed his desire. Last season he fell below those standards. He's been out with injuries this season and hasn't looked fit. Hopefully he will benefit from a good break and a good pre season he comes back playing to his potential in 2014.

Aren't a few people getting a bit carried away with Penny's re-signing??..... He has surely been signed to replace Rhys Williams in the squad, and Williams only played about half a dozen games a year, so unless Penny really has been reincarnated as Martin Offiah, he will probably be spending more time back on loan at Swinton, than playing for us?

As soon as an individual makes the step up to professional sport in front of paying spectators he/she can expect to have those performances judged irrespective of where they are born.

I would agree with nearly all that. We need a back up winger, and Penny will fill that roll. We do have Evans as an option, but I think he is now starting to make a serious claim on a centre spot, and I really hope he gets a long injury free run at centre next year to show his value.

But I don't think Penny as a back up is the whole reason for his signing. I suspect TS will also feel Penny has some chance of making the grade in SL as well. I think he will get more games to prove this, and that Riley now may have a serious challenge to his position next year.

Depends if they are being reasonable or talking out of their hat.

I'm sure I read somewhere that Atkins had NO pre-season training this year. That must have a great affect on a player who is effectively forced to play catch up all year.

there's a line and a very small number of so called fans crossed it.