When Wrench returns... : Wed May 10, 2023 2:48 pm  

It will be interesting to see how team selection goes once Connor Wrench returns (hopefully sooner rather than later). With Wrench being a left centre, that puts Stef Ratchford's place at risk. For me, it has been a mixed bag from Ratchford so far this season. He has done well at times, but at others he just doesn't look like a natural centre, and his passing can sometimes be a bit suspect, in terms of both quality and timing. I recall Williams having a bit of a heated conversation with him during one game, where it looked like he was getting a bit frustrated with him. Would DP leave out his captain and goal-kicker? I guess we'll soon see, but the prospect of a Wrench-Ashton left-wing partnership is pretty exciting.

Re: When Wrench returns... : Wed May 10, 2023 4:01 pm  

No risk at all for me and passing half the south stand was shouting for Ratchford to pass the ball.

Re: When Wrench returns... : Wed May 10, 2023 4:07 pm  

I don't really care which one of our current centres makes way, as long as wrench is in the team! Doesn't Drinkwater kick goals? I guess he could take on the duties from ratchford, it might help to justify his selection at the moment.

Re: When Wrench returns... : Wed May 10, 2023 4:32 pm  

Powell as confirmed he will be playing for the reserves this week.

Re: When Wrench returns... : Wed May 10, 2023 5:09 pm  

Really looking forward to seeing Wrench. For me he still has to prove himself as I thought him as very good in space, which is exciting, but a lot to learn in tight situations & defence. I doubt if Powell will rush him in quickly, unless a gap occurs. Good news though.

Re: When Wrench returns... : Wed May 10, 2023 5:25 pm  

Smiffy27 wrote:

Really looking forward to seeing Wrench. For me he still has to prove himself as I thought him as very good in space, which is exciting, but a lot to learn in tight situations & defence. I doubt if Powell will rush him in quickly, unless a gap occurs. Good news though.

Agree with you, so he is in reserves this week, I would say play him in reserves again and not bring him for Catalan.

Re: When Wrench returns... : Wed May 10, 2023 5:48 pm  

I missed the Wakefield game and understand he didn't have a good game, but otherwise I think Ratchford has been very good all year.

Re: When Wrench returns... : Wed May 10, 2023 6:29 pm  

I have no problem with Ratchford not making that pass to Ashton. He had been bundled into touch at least twice in the last 2 games early in the tackle count on similar plays and Friday was pretty wet. I think Ratchford has done ok this year
My problem with Ratchford has always been the over reaction to decisions that appear a bit questionable. He was at it again with the ref against Wakey putting his hands on his head as a gesture of disbelief at the decision. Query the decision fine, but just go back to the team and say now let's smash these and get the ball back. The gestures are purely playing to the crowd and I think have a negative impact on the rest of the team as they think we are on the wrong side of dodgy calls.

Re: When Wrench returns... : Wed May 10, 2023 7:08 pm  

I hope he doesn't come straight back in, give him 3 or 4 reserve games before getting him in the first team.
If he didn't get injured last year i thought he was going to be our no.4 and Ratchford would have just played a utility role. Which i think he will be next year.
I'd rather not rush him back and make sure he's 100% first.

Re: When Wrench returns... : Wed May 10, 2023 7:38 pm  

Well he’s not playing this week and I wouldn’t risk him against Catalans away. Save him for Leigh.