: Mon Feb 23, 2009 1:03 pm
I started a topic about Bailey sometime last week with the view of hearing other peoples opinions about him and it seems there is a massive gulf between those who see him not worthy of his Leeds place and those who rate him as an unrecognised asset. Ive always been neutral towards Bailey and recognised he must be doing alot more good than bad or else he wouldn't be in the team.
He did however have something to prove to me; and he did so on Friday Night. Bailey
should have got man of the Match. He put in a more than worthy perfomance and it was good to see him doing so and subsequently getting the plaudits, if not officially but at least on here. I only hope firstly he is okay after the injury and secondly he continues performing like he did on Friday throughout the season.
On the subject of penalties though, so far this season he is averaging 2 a game. This is too much, no doubt about it! If it carries on at this rate and he continues to get the games it will be over 40 by the end of the season, and thats more than any one player has given away in the past 5 years of Super League. I doubt however that will be the case! Another Interesting point where past penalties are concerned are yes in 2008 he only gave away 15 penalties and if you compare Peacock gave away more (20) Im sure some of Baileys faithful will take the view of Peacock gave away more and nobody gets on his case. Thats True but when you compare metres made, tackles made etc etc etc it all levels its self out. I think its all reletive and I think and hope Bailey continues playing like he did on Friday; lets see how many people complain then....
Either way I think its safe to say Bailey needs to be recognised as an integral part of the Leeds Team whether it is seen or not. If he wasn't much good they'd have got shut of him and lets face it, we can't fault the Leeds Coaches over the past few seasons, they obviously know what they are doing.....