I can't see Manu been dropped to the bench. He seems to be our go to guy on 4th tackle on most sets ('give it to Manu and hope he does something with it'). He should be playing around 40-50 minutes a game, starting on the bench as its been proved that this is when he is at his best. He is been over-used at the moment

Is that a personal preference, or is it a call based on his fitness

While I agree he shouldn't be doing the full 80, he always looks more effective when he starts. So maybe the first half of each half would be better.

He does need a rest in games, been excellent the past two games though, in two very poor team performances.He has a always been a great threat with the ball, but his defence and workrate seems to have improved this season. Made some great hits in defence on sunday.

Best player in the team this year so far in my opinion. Does need spelling I totally agree. At least he has a go and is prepared to put a shot on and not be dominated in the tackle like most of the rest of our players. Great ball to Hall for 1st try on Sunday. One of the few players any opposition will fear at the moment.

Based on his reserve team performances.

I prefer him off the bench but im not fussy, anything as long as he isnt playing 80 mins!!

I wouldn't take performances by seasoned pros in reserve team games as a sign of form, more a sign of fitness.

I'd expect them to show signs of having previously played at a higher level consistently, whether fit or not.

A couple of years ago i would have agreed. But IMO the standard of reserve grade is that low at the moment the only purpose it serves is keeping/getting first team players fit.

Form at that level means absolutely nothing.

Exactly, this was one of the reasons Thorman was brought it to spell Tickle. But I don't think this has happend once this season.

Have to agree manu is better off the bench as he creates more when their forwards are tiring!

And noway should tickle be doing full 80, i was under the impression aswell that that was 1 of the reasons that thorman was brought in

Yes Manu should start on the bench and be an impact player, I said he tires late on and teams run at him and he gets caught out, I would start with Radders,Tickle and Washy with Manu,Lee,Whiting and King on the bench.

Exactly what I just said!

One prop on the bench, and it's King?



If one prop was on the bench it should be Thacks.

It's a common myth that Manu plays better from the bench. The few times he has started on the bench he has struggled to get into the game. He would just be miles more effective if given a short rest.

Also, teams have highlighted he is our main/only threat and are making him do a ton of work in defence which isn't helping.

spot on

Which is what we will do if he starts the game IMO, we have used this tactic before to good effect.

Nobody cares what you think on this board. Go talk tactics on your own.

Mmmmmwwwwwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Out of all the players we lost when Cas last got relegated, Manu is the only player i have kept an interest in, we have a great team at the moment, but i wish we still had manu, he is an awesome player, and one i hope will play for cas again in the future, look after him, he is quality, and a good bloke.

He is much fitter this year than he has been before. Thats why he is lasting a full game, personally I would take him off just before HT, and give him some rest.

He is much better when he starts but I agree a rest somewhere either side of HT would be the best way to use him.

5/10 mins before and after half time would be ideal, give roughly 35/40 mins rest time, thats plenty of rest.

but just before half time is when opponents are tired is a great time for him to be on. Id prefer him on the pitch when teams are at their most fatigued