: Thu Apr 02, 2009 11:11 pm  

Kirke didn't struggle propping in a Grand Final against Saints.

: Fri Apr 03, 2009 8:27 am  

I think we have shown that the squad can cope with 2 injures in the front and second row.

We've had Ali, Kirke and Bailey missing for 2 or more games this season,and have covered ok. I think that in 90% of games we can cover. But against Saints with Ali and Kirke out, we looked a little light up front. With a little luck with injuries it won't be an issue, and hopefully at the end of the season the youngsters that are getting game time with be massively improved, with their experience, meaning that if one were needed to be called upon in a cup final, they would do what was required of them.

: Fri Apr 03, 2009 8:28 am  

This weekend should decide how much rest the players get. Lose and they should have an extra 4 weeks rest.

The fact that there are 3 hookers in the squad means that they probably plan to play with two hookers on most occasions. That being the case then they will go with either three props or three backrows in the squad which will allow rotation.

On occasion thewill go with three backroes, three props and an extra back.

This is fine until they get a serious injury (or more) and at that point they can then look to recruit a specific position.

: Fri Apr 03, 2009 10:42 am  

It really makes you wonder why they tried to sign Eastwood for 2009 in the first place. What a waste of time and effort that was.

: Fri Apr 03, 2009 10:47 am  

tvoc wrote:

It really makes you wonder why they tried to sign Eastwood for 2009 in the first place. What a waste of time and effort that was.

What a silly comment. You'll be getting no more concessions from me.

: Fri Apr 03, 2009 10:56 am  

tvoc wrote:

It really makes you wonder why they tried to sign Eastwood for 2009 in the first place. What a waste of time and effort that was.

Not necessarily. Eastwood, from what I can gather, is a versatile player who can and has covered most forward positions and some back positions. If he had come that would have given the club a world cup winner with the flexibility to ensure that whatever setback the club had (playing wise) the club would be able to manage it.

The rejection of his visa provided a double whammy in that the club do not have the player for this season and have restricted recruitment due to the plans to bring him over next season.

The question then is, were the club right to agree to Eastwood deferring his move until 2010. I cannot answer that as I have no knowledge of the contracts or the commitments made by either party. Only time will tell.

You never know GH may sue an Aussie Club in 2010 for cohercing a player to sign for them having already committed to coming to the Rhinos.
He does have form for that with overweight players who like to think their a playmaker. (And I don't mean G1)

: Fri Apr 03, 2009 11:02 am  

How long was Kirke out for last season? I know he missed a large chunk of the games after an injury early doors, but I'm not sure of the details.

: Fri Apr 03, 2009 11:09 am  

Lord_Percy wrote: How long was Kirke out for last season? I know he missed a large chunk of the games after an injury early doors, but I'm not sure of the details. According to RL Fans Fantasy league stats he missed rounds 5 to 21 inclusive http://www.slstats.org/p1202/Ian%20Kirke.html but I'm sure TVOC can confirm.

Lord_Percy wrote: How long was Kirke out for last season? I know he missed a large chunk of the games after an injury early doors, but I'm not sure of the details. According to RL Fans Fantasy league stats he missed rounds 5 to 21 inclusive http://www.slstats.org/p1202/Ian%20Kirke.html but I'm sure TVOC can confirm.

: Fri Apr 03, 2009 11:16 am  

G1 wrote: What a silly comment. I know. Similar to your comments re Huddersfield. finglas wrote: According to RL Fans Fantasy league stats he missed rounds 5 to 21 inclusive http://www.slstats.org/p1202/Ian%20Kirke.html but I'm sure TVOC can confirm. That's pretty much it with just the WCC game to add at the beginning of that run. Hamstring injury that wouldn't mend wasn't it.

G1 wrote: What a silly comment. I know. Similar to your comments re Huddersfield. finglas wrote: According to RL Fans Fantasy league stats he missed rounds 5 to 21 inclusive http://www.slstats.org/p1202/Ian%20Kirke.html but I'm sure TVOC can confirm. That's pretty much it with just the WCC game to add at the beginning of that run. Hamstring injury that wouldn't mend wasn't it.

: Fri Apr 03, 2009 11:35 am  

tvoc wrote:

I know. Similar to your comments re Huddersfield.

Yes, but I am prone to moments of silliness. You're a statistician for goodness sake. Let's respect the status quo eh?