Didn't think it was that much better than normal, I think it was maybe just the lower expectations of him not being captain and actually being down at prop. He put in the same kind of reliable, solid shift he always does, just looking a bit fresher probably because it's the start of the season and there were plenty of forwards spelling with him to help his workload.

I said all of last season, he's a prop, and a decent one. People just wanted him to offer things he couldn't because he was captain and being named at 13, neither of which were his fault. I also said I'd have moved him up to prop and let Cusack go, and on Sunday's evidence I'd stick with that. Radford, Cusack and Dowes should be fighting for a maximum of 2 spots IMO.

I think they are. And the order you put them in is the current pecking order I would say.

O meley and Moa the other two?

With Lauakiin the backrow?

It looks like Agar is going to play a backrow of Manu, Tickle and Fitzgibbon, Lauaki off the bench, Tickle will have to up his game this year with Burnett and Washy after his place in the 13.

Isnt it great for once to have a problem with who to play though!!
and some more senior players having to prove their worth again which really showed on Sunday..

The best part of this coming season is that for the first time in a long time we have a bench with class on it not just squad players making up numbers which will only help when the injuries come as they inevitably will

Yes would think so. Agree about Ticks he has a definite fight on his hands.

definately however he did ok on Sunday and his kicking was exemplary!!

I like Tickle, but I can't really see a spot for him at the minute. And Burnett as well. Hmm... we could do with a couple of injuries to make selection a little easier.

no injuries yet please!!!!

I wasn't being entirely serious.

bit unfair on Cusack some of these comments being out a long time and his first game back .Think Ogre could do with some more game time but still impressed at weekend . for me against saints would be

Radford
Berro
Dowes
Manu
Tickle
Fitz
[uSubs[/u
Moa
Lauaki
Houghton
O'meley

When's he banned until?

wonder what happened to the last rugby player who said that to him

The 12th of never.

we'll miss the shining wit

And that's a long, long time

Radford was outstanding and he position is prop and with a good pack round him he could be a star again this season.

It's a shame for Radders that Agar has taken so to state that he has afuture at prop.
Playing him at LF last season was a poor decision , though at times the choices were somewhat limited.

Hope he comes good and shows us something we didnt see in the last two years, however he had a cracker on Sunday and led from the front so a good start, lets hope he keeps it up however would be surprised if he gets a contract renewal

But, as JTP said, we lose a "quota" player next year - if that was Cusack....

wouldnt you rather we looked for someone younger maybe??
we have a glut of tackling machines in the side, lets get a runner in there !!

Agreed... but in the absence of a good, young, hard-running home-grown (trained) prop I think Radford might be the missing piece for us and at 30 years of age, he's not such a bad age for a prop. It's very early to tell anyway as we've only seen him in the out-and-out prop role in one pre-season friendly - he might end up being useless. Probably ought to start judging mid-season.

know what you mean but to be fair apart from where he actually stands in a scrum what will be different in his game , thats what bothers me as all he did last year was the same as he did on Sunday, just looked a bit fitter on Sunday is all I saw different !
also if Cussack retires as is Muted ( I believe he will be an outstanding prop this year) and we release radford there is a chunk there to go and buy a good prop from either here or overseas...
at that point we should throw a huge brown paper bag full of money at LMS which makes another positive step forwards in our recovery administration rather than Radford if you see my point

Well there's another rumour. Agreed LMS would bean excellent signing as our overseas quota reduces. Let's hope the rumours are true.

would make more sense if we had the wage of Cussack and Radford to use on him as he will no doubt be a shoe in for England at the end of this season so will need a fair wedge I guess, but thats the future unfortunately Radford isnt and the club have now moved past that sentimental part of their history i think

limited-spot on.we had that many injuries agar had no choice but to play him at lf.

agreed he was hung out to dry a little but like you say we didnt have much choice..
Whilst i dont dislike Radders i just wonder how many good tacklers we really need , and when you have a bunch very similar the younger ones must be the choice....
was there much between Radford and Dowes on Sunday ..??.. not a lot but the age!!