So where did most of Fitz work happen? It seemed to be more down the middle with the odd exception. Nothing new in that, he has played that way for a number of years now. My point is he will offer very little creativity from 13, definately more the Aussie style of 13 which is basically an extra battering ram.

Personally I would play Lauaki as a backrower, he could swap during a game with Manu, therefore keeping that destructive type of player on right through the game.

That still leaves enough props to battle it out for the four positions.

Have also watched Fitz for years yes he does play inside the second rowers mostly. I think he can play a bit more football than you suggest - for example wasn't it him who popped the ball when Longy got held up ? (Thought Hall was a bit slow in support on the occasion when he broke the line incidentally).

Agree about Lauaki in SR we have enough props. Just need to make sure he isn't exposed in goal line defence.

is cusack nailed on to play as he was the worst prop on show yesterday

I think it showed that Cusack is some way of match-fitness - I can't see him being nailed on but I expect he'll start at Sheffield.

I think O'Meeley needs to play at Sheffield. He played well but you could see he was away off full fitness.

I thought Radders had a heck of a game today. He had a couple of cracking touches, particularly in the 2nd half attacking their line, he was ghosting around waving the ball about like half back and threw the loooooong ball out to Briscoe or Turner on the fringes.

Think Dowes is the one who ought to be concerned about the amount of game time he'll get this season.

A good all round performance by the pack I thought. Dowes and Radford in particular both played better than I thought they would. Fitz's work rate is superb. Moa, O'Meley and Lauaki brought aggression. Houghton, Yak and Washy all played OK without ripping up any trees.

Lauaki would be wasted as a prop and hasn't any experience playing there anyway. He needs to take the ball deeper and on the move like Moa does and play wide between the halves and centres. We have enough props. I can't wait to see Berrigan playing with that pack. They'll give him the freedom he didn't have last year.

For me that was Radfords best display for a couple of years. He ran hard and straight, made good yards and sucked in plenty of defenders which is all you can ask of a prop. If he continues like that I believe Dowes or Cusack will lose their place to him. I don't see him in the back row at all. It didn't work last year and he looked ordinary. I'm not particularly a fan of his but that sort of performance will keep him in the side.

A lot of folk with egg on their faces. Radford is a class player who was basically forced into captaining a side with no leaders. Now the shackles are off we can hopefully see a return to top form.

Radford played really well yesterday, he ran hard & direct. O'Meley did well but was blowing alot he needs to get match fit. I know it was only a friendly but was quite happy with way the forwards dominated.

Lauaki has to play in the back row, he has some great ball handling skills, we have more than enough cover in the front row. I also thought fitz went very well yesterday, he seems to have hit it off with Long already. He broke the line on a number of occassions from short passes from Long, and the offload from the floor was fantastic. I wouldn't have a problem with Fitz at 13.

For Saints i'd go with:

O' Meley
Berrigan
Radford/Cusack/Dowes
Lauaki
Manu
Fitz

Radford/Cusack/Dowes
Tickle
Moa
Houghton

Very hard to pick from the last 3 props, Moa has a different game so I would always pick him for impact, I have to say I thought Radford was most impressive yesterday, and I haven't been a fan of his. I think he might just have earnt a spot for Saints

I agree with what you say about Radders.

Personally, I would include Washy in the 17. I thought we improved yesterday when he came on, and he covers a number of positions.

Really? Why? He was poor for large parts of the last two seasons.

I was just thinking the same.

I was also thinking that basing a judgement on a single pre-season friendly is unwise. See Chris Thorman for details.

Why? Cos a lot on here wanted him out, he was the players name that came up time and time again about which player would you like to see leave the club. He's had to lead a totally rudderless ship through the 2 most bizarre, rubbish, even comical seasons most fans can remember, but yet people want him hung up to dry.

I posted what I thought Agar would do and what I would do!

We have an abundance of backrowers and props so whereever we play him it will result in players missing out. Lauaki I would play in the back row interchanging with Manu. Would prefer Fitzgibbon in the backrow and Washybrook at 13 but that won't happen unfortunately.

He's had one good game. My own opinion is that we have plenty of other players, playing in the positions he can, that are better players. If he can recreate that performance over the rest of the season then feel free to talk about egg on faces, but for now its premature.

there's nothing worse than premature egg on faces... hem hem

A bit of premature egg jaculation here I fear!

Paul M,agree,I think the team would have better balance with Washbrook at 13 with Fitzy,Manu and Lauakia share the 2nd row.

Radford had his best game for us in a long long time yesterday. He was full of running and his defence (Which has never been a problem) was top notch as well.
I don't think it is just the fact he has lost the captaincy and he can concentrate on his own game. I think the fact he knows he has to play for a place in the side is a major factor as well.
I was also happy with Dowes performance and i think this could be a good year for both of them.

What has amazed me more than anything on this thread is the fact Rommel has not been on

Pretty much sums up my opinion.

Ummm, I may have had summat to do with that.

Damn i missed his banning

The plot thinnens...

As has been said, his best performance for a long time yesterday. He actually ran with purpose and looked to find the floor a lot quicker (apart form the odd couple of occasions, but that can be forgiven). Defensively, he was solid, but he was still sometimes getting caught on the wrong side after making a tackle and struggling to get back to marker/rejoin the line. Much better than most of the games he's had in the last couple of years though and he looked a lot more ready than Cusack.

Not really sure what I'd go with in the pack for Saints now. Maybe:

8. Dowes
9. Berrigan
10. O'Meley
11. Manu
12. Fitzgibbon
13. Washbrook

14. Moa
15. Lauaki
16. Cusack/Radford
17. Houghton

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.