Manu is a fantastic player but I feel him playing from the start of the game is a mistake. We need a player like him coming on when the opposition players are getting tired about the 20 minute mark of the game.

What does everybody else think?

Manu is an impact 2nd row and should be used as you suggest in 2x20 min spells, 2nd half of each half. He had to jog the ball in on Sunday cos he was out on his feet. Tickle shouldnt be used for 80 mins either. Only Agar seems to think they can both play 80!

And leave 3 or 4 interchanges unused !!!!

He must surely be the only SL coach who only uses 8 or 9 interchanges.

....and thats just on Moa

We should be starting with Radford, Tickle, Washbrook with Whiting and Manu on the bench for Friday

Agree about Radford, Tickle and Washy with Manu on the bench, Whiting should be no where near the first team.

I think "Teen wolf" is in great form IMO you use to only get 1 good game in about 4 from him but he seems to be on top form in every game now, hope he keeps it up.

He seems to have improved since starting from the off.

He looks cool doesnt he !

His fitness levels are a lot higher but his impact on the game is not so good because of the time he is spending on the pitch. We expect everytime he gets the ball he is going to do something special, which he tries. Take nothing away from him he would go on for 160mins if he had to.

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.