Might be a coincidence but Andy Hay (our defense Coach!) has also been away for approx. 3 weeks

Yes but number 9's don't just tackle Aiton is second to him and he also has better stats as well. Houghton is a good player but not at the same level as Aiton. He hits like a prop would hit and there aren't many hookers like that these days. A lot of NRL players were shocked when he left as he was highly regarded plus he's the captain of his country.

What the hell is he doing at Wakey then if he's so good?

Where on earth are you getting these stats from ? Houghton makes more meters, misses less tackles, has scored more tries and has more try assists.

As Bet Lynch says, really don't see stats that are better than Houghton's. You should also let Phil Clarke know, as when he keeps doing his OPTA stats team of the week and team of the season so far on Boots N All, he keeps putting Danny Houghton in instead of Paul Aiton. Must be an oversight.

As for being captain of his country, so is Jack Howieson. It means naff all about how good a player he is.

Must have been one of Agar's magical phone calls we used to hear about.