John Gilbert Reds wrote:
Let's not be too harsh, Theo has more talent than anything that has come through our academy system in a long time. He will turn into a great player, but at 19 he needs nurturing and easing into Super League not playing too many games on the bounce at hooker (where don't get me wrong he's more than capable of playing).
I trust Sean Long to look after Theo, take him under his wing and help develop him into the talent we all know he's capable of being.
Ratchford and Turner came through the system, although I should discount Turner but Ratchford had a better game than Theo, no sing as dance was made about him and eventually he left due to be being out of position. Sneyd the same, IMO opinion offers more than Theo but he was over looked yet offers more than Theo and now ripping it up at Castleford. What's happened to Evalds? Looked a very promosing talent but can't even get a look in at the moment.
People saying Theo should not be dropped to Championship, well that's a very narrow and short minded view. Less we forget the 2 Batey boys who once mixed at SL level, came back couple years later and improved dramatically. What about Hardaker or Walmsely?? At Saints. Obviously one to point out at the minute is Brieley at Leigh, out of his depth at Cas and now is being allowed to flourish in the Championship and forging himself as a top prospect for SL clubs to look at.
Just think some of our fans are naive, blowing there top for dropping a kid who is not close to week in week out SL rugby. Does he have potential? Obviously, but give him a chance to grow and develop and IMO that should done in Championship. Last say on it from myself, I eventually see Theo being an inpact player, don't think he has the skill set to play at level we now aspiring to, could be used like Burrow at Leeds, coming on running at tired forwards, although I would gladly be proved wrong.