8ULL5HITT4 wrote:
There seems to be a fair degree of consensus on almost all the players in a starting 17 with the major disagreements regarding Shaw, Mendieka and Siejka as the final piece of the jigsaw.
FWIW I would start Shaw at fullback but, if Blythe starts in the centres, I would have Mendieka on the bench. I also believe that Ferguson must be included on the bench along with 2 props.
This would not necessarily be the same for the Wakey game as I'm also struggling to decide on the 2 wingers and hopefully we'll have Neilson Schmeilson available.
Shaw offer a nothing's from fb. Paul wellens wasn't a huge attacking threat but popped up at the right moments and was safe as houses. Shaw is shaky in defence and his speed is on level with Karl Pryce at times. Yes you can't compare them as Wellens was a fantastic player, but he was the first "non attacking" fb that popped to mind.
Carrying an out and out back on the bench is a waste of a spot.
Someone like Blythe/walshaw who can cover 2ndrow and centre is fine.
Mendeika has been much more consistent than shaw over the season.
Also does anyone else feel crossly is not offering much ? Fleming is younger and bigger but did seem to struggle at fax, but crossly appeared to be shying away from work and letting clough do all the donkey work. On the odd occasion he does a fantastic run but his defence is soft, but I'd say that goes for the whole team.
The whispers of matt groat, I hope they are true.
