Re: Dec Patton : Mon Jan 28, 2019 8:28 pm  

shinymcshine wrote:

Well, sort of ...

He was used as a sub hooker last year, but has seen a new player join for that role, then he's being asked to revert to a halfback, where we've got a big money signing coming in next season.

Hope it goes well for him,, but I could understand if he's uncertain of his future regardless of his performance in the position.

He chose to be a professional rugby league player - he has got to be used to fighting for a place.
He has a 2 year contract until 2020 - few get longer.
He has a 4 years 60+ game advantage over Danny Walker.

No, there are no excuses to be made for Patton ahead of 2019. This is a gift of an opportunity for him to prove, without doubt, what he can do a full 4 years following his debut.

Re: Dec Patton : Mon Jan 28, 2019 9:13 pm  

Good post '71'

Appreciate the comments from shiny but now an opportunity has pretty much fallen into his lap and he has to either take it or end up elsewhere if he wants regular rugby. I hope, as many do, that he makes a real fist of it. We can worry about next year and how to fit them all in in 12m time.

Re: Dec Patton : Mon Jan 28, 2019 9:14 pm  

W71
I'm glad you've come around to patience and a blank paper on Patton.
I hope for us and for Wire that I'm not bowing before you halfway through the season.

Re: Dec Patton : Mon Jan 28, 2019 10:03 pm  

This is his biggest opportunity to shine and show he is capable of being a first team half back. I did think we was most effective going forward when he was on the pitch with Austin against widnes. If he builds on that then he will do OK.

I think he is playing for an extension and some assurances going forward once contracts have Been honoured. It would take something pretty huge like an mos or his partnership with Austin being accredited to our sussesses in two of the 3 pots available to give price a headache.

Re: Dec Patton : Mon Jan 28, 2019 11:18 pm  

I'm not a massive fan of Patton and think he's over rated from what i've seen, but an extended run in th halves could be the making of him and i hope it is for him
Ratchford should stay at fullback for me as i think it's by far his best position.
Mamo is a funny one for me, i think he's too good to not be in the Squad week in week out.....but who would we drop to accomodate him???? It's a good headache to have though

Re: Dec Patton : Tue Jan 29, 2019 12:44 am  

For sure...if Patton does blow it...it'll be Ratchford going into the half's not Livett.
I'm a fan of HL but he isn't in the same class as Ratchford in the halves....likewise Ratchford isn't as lean as Livett to play any of the back 3 like as well as Livett can.

[Wanderer]

Re: Dec Patton : Tue Jan 29, 2019 6:57 am  

I recall Patton stating at the start of last season that he wanted to play half back. He would now appear to have the opportunity. Hopefully, he will make a success of it.

Re: Dec Patton : Tue Jan 29, 2019 9:50 am  

The clock is ticking for Dec to establish himself as a first choice half. His problem is this time next year he will be right back where he started as Austin and Widdop will the starting halves, regardless of how he performs this year. Your not going to have a Marquee player sat in the stands. He may well evaluate his career at the end of the season and see his future away from the HJ.

Re: Dec Patton : Tue Jan 29, 2019 1:12 pm  

kirtonLindseyWolf wrote:

The clock is ticking for Dec to establish himself as a first choice half. His problem is this time next year he will be right back where he started as Austin and Widdop will the starting halves, regardless of how he performs this year. Your not going to have a Marquee player sat in the stands. He may well evaluate his career at the end of the season and see his future away from the HJ.

the ball is in Patton's court..give the coach a headache next year OR, at the very least, secure yourself a position in another Super League club. Otherwise its the Championship or worst. Dec its over to you. (If he gets picked!) Personally I would put Ratchford in the halves and Mamo at FB.

Re: Dec Patton : Tue Jan 29, 2019 1:35 pm  

Understand the comments for Ratch at HB and possibly Mamo at FB but my reservation is that we might then get two vary similar players in the halves. If Patton steps up to the oche we will thankfully not need to take this discussion much further.