No sherlock

He means that Whiting won't [ichoose[/i to leave.

Bit slow, aren't you?

Surely he has to be on the bench. We need cover right accross the back line and it's hardly in abundance is it. Presumably Hall will start in the centres so the 3/4 line picks itself, so will Agar go for Turner on the bench or Rich? No brainer for me.

If Tickle and Fitz go, which seems reasonably likely then Whiting can really push for a back row slot in 2011.

i think if everybody stays fit Whiting will struggle to make the 17, i think Turner will cover the threequarter positions and with the depth we have in the back row i can`t see him forcing his way in, it will all depend on injuries.

Indeed he wont, because nobody bar Crusdaers/Salford would sign him.

Its been debated before. He isnt first choice for any position and is barely 2nd choice for most positions. He will figure though as back up as we will get injuries. Ive said before though, seemed a strange decision by Rich to sign a new deal with this in mind.

I like the bloke and really rate him as a player but he doesnt fit.

Doubt we'll see much of either whiting or washbrook this year if we are relatively injury free

fingers crossed we stay relatively injury free

surly that should be there as "In your opionion" Standee, and I'm sure 'in my opionion' we all know how much your opinion is valued on the forum.

As someone who knows knack all about rugby, I see Rich as a loose-forward, and I hope the other Rich. 'he in charge' takes advice from our new 'assistant coach' and we don't get the odd bench changes we suffered over the last couple of seasons. .....grannyfan Cindy

yawn

when will you realise I don't care if people like or dislike my opinion, you've been around long enough?

You are right about one thing, you know knack all about rugby mind.

Bit harsh on Washbrook, should be in front of Horne at 6 IMO.

Not sure about that, my comment was more aimed at Whiting though, he's had a bad run with injury admittedly, but he isn't a top 4 player. (first, second or third choice)

I think the addition of Turner will see Whitings chances more limited this season, they both operate in similar roles. At full strength I cant see Turner making the starting line up but I think he would claim a place on the bench over Whiting.

There seems to be a fair number of folk spouting about Turner being in the 17. What on earth do you base this on? If you have seen him play more than a handful of times I'll be amazed. If in those times you can remember him standing out then i'll be even more amazed. It's just nonsense that people are putting him in front of the likes of Hall or Whiting.

Washbrook should be nowhere near no 6. We cant operate again with one of the crucial pivots being invisible. When Danny has played there before (on numerous occasions now) he hardly handles the ball at all and when he does it is simply the inside ball or his inside step. It's simply not his position. The trouble is, we still don't have an out and out stand off. We need Horne back to his best cos at least he has the pace to break the line and support. I hope Turner is as good as others seem to think, maybe given time, he could be the answer to number 6.

Clueless, I aren't even going to waste my time explaining why.

From what i hear Turner is really impressing in training too. He may well be in front of Whiting in the pecking order in the centres or at 6, Whiting though may be in front of him for the 13 shirt but still behind Washy.

For me Turners best form was playing at 13 when Salford where in NL1.

Whiting is a quality player who can cover a range of positions without looking out of place. I'd be more than happy to see him named at full back, centre, stand off, loose forward or second row. He is invaluable in the case of injuries, and I believe that if he had an opportunity for an extended run in the side he'd prove more than capable in any of the positions above.

Will all due respect, and in no way is this a dig at Richard himself, but he is too slow to be a back and is too light weight for the second row.

Rich has done himself great credit whilst playing for us,. However there are far too many sentimentalists out there who want to keep the same players just because they "a solid player".

If we are seriously going to compete for the big prizes then we need more cutting edge players. For the last few seasons we have relied on too many "solid" players which has got us nowhere.

Richard is a good all round player. Perhaps thats his main downfall. Jack of all trades but a master of none?

At this point in time I can;t see another contract offer unless that is a change is circumstances.

Spot on the money

He's as fast as Paul Cooke, for example. And he makes up for what he lacks in pace with his speed of thought. How often is he in the right place at the right time to make an interception? That's not because of his speed, but because he reads the game very well.



Every club needs at least a minority of players who, whilst not world class, can do a good job in a number of positions. The nature of the modern game dictates that injuries will occur and the salary cap means that you can't necessarily have 28 internationals in your squad.

Whiting is more than just solid, in my opinion. He's intelligent, works hard and is incredibly versatile. It's doing him a huge disservice to call him a 'jack of all trades'.

I didnt see him in NL1 although i know i played for England Academies as a 6 or 13.

If i'm been totally honest i dont really recall him standing out for Salford vs FC when we've played them in SL, getting big raps though.

Whiting was young player of the year for a reason. He has had two nightwamre seasons with injuries but when he has been fit he has been asked to fill-in wherever needed. This utility tag is hard to shake but, if given the chance to vie for one position, I am sure he has it in him to win a spot whoever he is up against.

Oh joy the "young player of the year" line is out again.

Exactly my thoughts and have been for some time, I have always liked him and I hope he can make a breakthrough into a sort of regualr team slot.

His performance over his entire FC career does suggest to me and others that he can not hold down a regular place as he is niether back or forward by definition.

Whilst players like Richard are very valuable to teams in time he becomes expensive when cheaper options in the form of younger players become available. This season he will struggle to retain a place with growing competition from the other fringe players and next season I expect he will be moved on.