Houghtons head drops like a brick in times of struggle , not someone I'd have picked personally but with the lack of other suitable candidates , I can see why he's been given the job .

Fash will be LF i reckon

Quite surprised at the captaincy decision. Houghton didn't really stand out in the role in 2021 although to be fair we had the strange three captains policy.

There isn't really a clear alternative though I guess.

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... ng-9042415 Think the biggest thing in this is no Houghton or Balmforth this Sunday. Guess Morgan Smith will start at 9. I'd give Tex and Brown the first half together Trueman to start running later this month.

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... ng-9042415 Think the biggest thing in this is no Houghton or Balmforth this Sunday. Guess Morgan Smith will start at 9. I'd give Tex and Brown the first half together Trueman to start running later this month.

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... ll-9044084 All 9 new signings to play at Doncaster. Cator to get a stint at 9. The wording sounds as though he'll start. Not a fan of this

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... ll-9044084 All 9 new signings to play at Doncaster. Cator to get a stint at 9. The wording sounds as though he'll start. Not a fan of this

Stupid decision, why bother signing Morgan Smith if Cator is to be the backup 9?

Guess Smith is more thought of as cover for halfbacks.

Just hope Cator isn't be thought of as the bench hooker, got to be Balmforth (get the feeling Smith isn't his biggest fan though)

Not that I've seen him play there but if Cator is moved to 9 I don't see where our threat from acting half comes from.

Defensively he'll be fine, but how quick and accurate is his passing game?

I'd prefer us to use Morgan Smith or Balmforth instead

I feel the same way about Smith and Balmforth. He can never seem to just give him praise without then continuing to say he has a lot of negatives to his game aswell, although I do appreciate Smith wants him to improve and it could just be his way of keeping him grounded.

I think it makes sense for Morgan Smith to be more focused in the halves, that is his preferred position I believe? We also have options at 9, where I reckon Cator and Hodgson could spell on Sunday, with Smith maybe helping out if needed.

Can’t say I’ve ever seen Cator at 9 so I’ll withhold from judgement, I suppose this is what friendlies are for to try these things out.

Anyways, positive news is we get to see all the new signings get a run out, looking forward to seeing how they get on

I can't say the thought of Cator being mooted as a regular replacement at 9 on the bench fills me with much optimism. That said with both Houghton & Balmforth not being risked at Doncaster due to minor injuries it's an opportunity to test the option out of Cator at 9. Still think it will likely be a combination of Houghton/Balmforth/Smith during the season and possibly Cator only being used as cover if we have to move Smith in to the halves should the need arise due to injuries.

Is it just me getting déjà vu with Balmforth potentially falling behind a makeshift 9 like what happened to Litten with Washbrook & Hadley playing 9 ahead of him.

Hope this doesn't happen again, makes it far too easy for teams to defend against us if the passing from dummy half is slow and predictable as it was when Hadley/Washy played there and when shaul and fash have also filled in there. If we have specialist players at 9, use them.

It will be worth watching the speed of passing out of DH on Sunday - I think we will see a huge difference between Cator and Hodgson. Quick service from DH is essential to your set being on the front foot

Teams in:

1 – Tex Hoy

2 – Liam Tindall

3 – Carlos Tuimavave

4 – Liam Sutcliffe

5 – Darnell McIntosh

7 – Fa’amanu Brown

8 – Herman Ese’ese

10. Franklin Pele

11. Jayden Okunbor

12. Ligi Sao

13. Brad Fash

14. Joe Cator

15. Jordan Lane

16. Jack Ashworth

17. Cam Scott

19. Morgan Smith

20. Jack Brown

21. Will Gardiner

23. Davy Litten

24. Nick Staveley

26. Lewis Martin

29. Charlie Severs

31. Jack Walker

35. Jeylan Hodgson

40. Jack Charles

Give the first team the first half/ 50 mins then start chopping and changing

Strong squad announced, might not be anything, but some intresting choices of reserve players

Martin over Barron
Severs over Jebson
Charles over Harman and Medforth

Think Martin has earned his spot over Barron in the squad.
Severs probably could do with the game-time more than Jebson.
Thought Charles was probably the most threatening out of the three vs Bradford, however I do like the look of Harman.

Agree with all that.

You're not alone in that feeling, and I hope Balmforth isn't going to suffer the same fate.

Like I say I'd like to think that it will be Houghton/Balmforth/Smith with Cator available as an option should the need arise due to injury/suspension. If the likes of Walker, Hoy, Brown, Houghton, Balmforth, Smith all remain fit in the most part then I don't really see a place or need for Cator in the 17 (certainly not as an interchange 9) and that's before Trueman makes it back to full fitness.

Only time you could use Cator, would be to replace Houghton as starting hooker, no way should he play hooker off the bench.

I'd still wouldn't have him there, I'd have him 5th choice hooker within our squad.

Quote ="Dave K."Only time you could use Cator, would be to replace Houghton as starting hooker, no way should he play hooker off the bench. I'd still wouldn't have him there, I'd have him 5th choice hooker within our squad.'" https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... ll-8972883 Reading this makes it sound like he's going to be covering for when Houghton goes off in the season...also interesting that radders originally signed him to cover the hooking role

Quote ="Dave K."Only time you could use Cator, would be to replace Houghton as starting hooker, no way should he play hooker off the bench. I'd still wouldn't have him there, I'd have him 5th choice hooker within our squad.'" https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... ll-8972883 Reading this makes it sound like he's going to be covering for when Houghton goes off in the season...also interesting that radders originally signed him to cover the hooking role

We'll get a better idea as the season goes on but I'm sure Balmforth is well thought of and will get his chances.

Look at us all having a good old whinge. The season must be starting soon