: Sun Mar 01, 2009 1:26 am  

Rads in attitude ? I HOPE.

[DaveO]

: Sun Mar 01, 2009 6:07 am  

NickyKiss wrote:

Riddell had his best game in a Wigan shirt tonight which isn't saying much but it's an improvment i suppose. Every new player needs time to settle and as ever i use Pat Richards as an example of how a new overseas player needs time and shouldn't be written off too soon.

And what a very poor example it is. Pat Richards was played out of position at centre and only improved when he went to play on the wing. That had as much to do with it as anything IMO.

But that is not the point. The REAL point is that experienced NRL players should NOT need time to settle in as far as their own game goes. They should be up to speed with that from the off. They may not be on the same wavelength as their team mates for a few games but their own individual skiils, general play and fitness ought to be apparent from day one (unless injured).

I can't comment on Riddell in the Quins game as I am here in the USA so I am making a general point. I don't think experienced NRL players should be excused when (apparently) players like S Tomkins have great a debut as Ainscough did (which I did see). If these two junior players can hit the ground running what excuse do vastly more experienced players have for not doing so? None I would say.

Dave

: Sun Mar 01, 2009 8:32 am  

Iwould still have one trick mick,
over slow off the mark,mark anyday..

: Sun Mar 01, 2009 9:00 am  

the ditch wrote:

Iwould still have one trick mick,
over slow off the mark,mark anyday..

And here's why you're wrong:

One trick Mick gives away penalties in defence and terrible passes in attack. PLUS you have him for 80mins.

Piggy's trotting back to the line is to slow to be counted in defence and he's not at the PTB so our better players can get crisp passes away. PLUS we can interchange him

: Sun Mar 01, 2009 9:43 am  

NickyKiss wrote:

Leuluai has to start the game somewhere because imo he's now our best player.

Smith would be the man to miss out for me before Riddell.

Agree with all of that

I've always said Tommy's best position is hooker

Smith shouldn't be anywhere near a Wigan shirt after Sam Tomkins performance last night

: Sun Mar 01, 2009 9:50 am  

I think this seasons team is starting to pick itself.

Richards impressed (apart from a couple of errors) last night and took the ball up strongly on a number of occasions. Mathers won't get anywhere near the team from now on.


Ainscough and Roberts the wingers


Tomkins if he carries on has more than a fair shout at 6
Smith can play in his preferred 7 slot
TL is a much better 9 than a 7.

: Sun Mar 01, 2009 9:50 am  

WigansForeignLegion wrote:

And here's why you're wrong:

One trick Mick gives away penalties in defence and terrible passes in attack. PLUS you have him for 80mins.

Piggy's trotting back to the line is to slow to be counted in defence and he's not at the PTB so our better players can get crisp passes away. PLUS we can interchange him :wink:

come on,name a player who doznt give penalties away in defence anyway when one trick mick is breathing heavily we have another ace up our sleeve,

not scared of jon clarke......

: Sun Mar 01, 2009 9:55 am  

Riddell is two play the balls infront of every one else. He's clearly unfit.

Once he gets some fitness back we will see the difference.

You have to ask, why is he so unfit, along with others 4 games into a new season.

: Sun Mar 01, 2009 10:00 am  

the ditch wrote:

come on,name a player who doznt give penalties away in defence anyway when one trick mick is breathing heavily we have another ace up our sleeve,

not scared of jon clarke......

Granted but Mick's penalties have resulted in tries in the last couple of games.

Jon Clarke - I feel the fear coming!

: Sun Mar 01, 2009 10:01 am  

XBrettKennyX wrote:

I think this seasons team is starting to pick itself.

Richards impressed (apart from a couple of errors) last night and took the ball up strongly on a number of occasions. Mathers won't get anywhere near the team from now on.


Ainscough and Roberts the wingers


Tomkins if he carries on has more than a fair shout at 6
Smith can play in his preferred 7 slot
TL is a much better 9 than a 7.

He shouldn't but we will probably see him at some point in the rest of the season