Re: Dobson : Fri Jun 19, 2015 2:41 pm  

Salford 1961 wrote:

And mine too...
He's been targetted by the opposition with no partner to provide decoys and we've still been unlucky to lose in a few of those games.
The things Theo lacks at the moment is a good kicking game and experience. I personally think he'll become a top player for years to come, hopefully in a Salford shirt.

Spot on. Theo's kicking game isn't up to scratch and I'm pretty sure we all acknowledge that. Then again Rangi's is p!ss poor too, it's just that he's outrageously talented in other parts of his game which more than makes up for it. I honestly don't understand how any HB in Super League can't have a half decent kicking game, IMO it's a basic skill that anyone should be able to carry out to a decent level with a reasonable amount of practice.

salfordfan - Do you honestly believe that performance was down to Theo's absence? I'd be more inclined to say that was down to confidence gained from a good win at Hudds a few days earlier and a pretty much full-strength squad before all the injuries and suspensions hit.

And I'm not knocking Dobson, he's undoubtedly a quality player but I'd have Theo in the 17 every week due to his versatility (form permitting of course). Same with Walton for me... not necessarily as a starter but he can cover 4 or 5 positions and it just gives you options during the game if injuries occur.

Re: Dobson : Fri Jun 19, 2015 5:18 pm  

I'd argue that Rangi's is inconsistent rather than poor. His short kicking nr the line is good most of the time and has led to a number of tries. Theo's is more variable with too many kicks running dead in my opinion. Rangi's choices tend to be better near the opponents try line than Theos but he's much more experienced so they would be and Theo doesn't have the brain explosions that Rangi is prone too.

I think they are similar with their long kicking game. Rangi is more likely to get you a 40-20 bug also more likely to kick straight into touch or into the wrong place. Theo's is more consistently average. But, unsurprisingly, Theo's kicking game is much better when there is another kicker on the field and the opponents can't just close him down every play like they have been able to off the last 7 weeks.

I think Theo's main problem is game management - his decision making and ability to mix it up and change his style to suit the game. Eg too many times he's been tackled taking the line on on the 5th tackle leaving someone else to kick on the 6th. But he's 20 and that will come with experience. He may always be more of a pivot with great support play and making a break or 2 a game by taking on the line but he has the potential to learn to be a Gregory/Goulding/Long style game manager in my view. I can't think of any other 20 year old half backs in recent years who would have done as well as he has in recent circumstances. Can anyone else? The 3 above plus Edwards and maybe Sinfield. Myler? Smith? Ratchford? Sneyd? McGuire? Burrow? Don't think they would have done much better

That said Dobson and Chase would be my starting 2 cos they are better now. Theo should stay - he will get plenty of game time. Every club needs 3 or 4 top half backs if they are to succeed cos there are always injuries and suspensions. Theo can continued to learn, play plenty and mature into the top player he can be at Salford

Re: Dobson : Fri Jun 19, 2015 5:29 pm  

Re Theo, does anyone know why he wants to leave ?

Re: Dobson : Fri Jun 19, 2015 6:40 pm  

salfordfan - Do you honestly believe that performance was down to Theo's absence? I'd be more inclined to say that was down to confidence gained from a good win at Hudds a few days earlier and a pretty much full-strength squad before all the injuries and suspensions hit.

I'm saying we beat Huddersfield & Wigan in spite of Theo's absence not because of it.

Re: Dobson : Fri Jun 19, 2015 9:57 pm  

Sounded like Dobbo picked up another knee injury to me according to the radio. Does anyone know for Definite?

Re: Dobson : Sun Jun 21, 2015 9:51 am  

Can anyone tell me for sure if Dobson was injured (would hate it to be true after being out), on the Radio they said he could hardly walk? Thanks for your time all.