so ridyard playing there is'nt really interesting is it.its just because know one is fit

The reason I found it interesting is that Robbie Paul has spent the last couple of years playing exclusively as a hooker in Super League, but is being left at half-back rather than play at 9 rather than Ridyard play in the halves as he did throughout last season.

right pal fair enough.

I find it interesting too. From what I can remember, Ridyard when playing at Miners played in the halves and did so last season for Leigh, he even played full back a few times when he was at Warrington so I believe but I have never heard of him play 9.

I can understand why IM is playing him there as no doubt he wants his first choice 6 & 7 in Hartley and Paul to gather a quick understanding together which means playing them in those positions as much as possible, so that is probably why Paul isn't playing 9, having said that during the game they may switch roles a couple of times.

Robbie Paul hated playing Hooker my theory is he was guaranteed the number 1 position at scrum half for Leigh which helped sway his decision to sign for us.

Take Rhys Williams from us.
Young Welsh winger, good lad, just isnt going to displace Hicks or King anytime soon. Penny's in the same boat, he'd score a hatful.
If you want a centre Blyth has experience at playing there for us although personally I don't think he's that good.

Blythe who was at LMR?

Would like to see a prop and a second row asap.

Blythes a better SR than centre but someone else mentioned centre's.
In our reserves Mitchell, Blythe and McCarthy are SR's with SL experience with the latter being the far far superior imo

Any Leythers expecting much from this game? Tony Smith has already said they will be tired from the overseas training camp.

not really, wires will be pushing for SL champs this season and are bringing a pretty much full stength team, one or two of the players probably cost as much as our whole squad


As along as our lads give 100% effort and come through it un injured i'll be happy.
of course if they can score a couple of tries too i'll ecstatic

Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but I think some of the surprises show a bit of tactical thought from IM.

When on form warrington have an excellent long kicking game from Briers and Monaghan. Having donlan supported by two players who are both good at fielding and returning kicks looks a sensible defensive option.

Ridyard at 9 again I think may be a good ploy. This lad has good, quick hands, is pretty quick off the mark and probably has the best kicking game of all our players. Kicking from AHB is becoming a favourite ploy of coaches as firstly it plays everyone onside and technically you are kicking ten yards further up the field. Leeds were very successful with this last season.

Personally I can't wait!

With Ridyard at hooker I'd imagine with his good quick hands the ball will be coming out fast & hopefully prove effective but either way I trust IM judgement

I just hope we prove we will be able to play some good attacking rugby under IM this season, by the way it seems a descent side we have out.

your predicting we're going down already?

Ian has a long history of playing players in unconventional positions , at Saints he also liked to have versatile players able to fit in where needed

never was any good at spelling.

Indeed.

You may find you have players who play in one position in attack but another in defence.