: Wed Feb 18, 2009 9:33 pm  

I really hope Ainscough gets a game. Can't believe Sam is still not given a shot though. Would have liked to see him come on to partner Smithy with Lulu going to 9

: Wed Feb 18, 2009 9:36 pm  

I'd have had Sam Tomkins in both squads for the first 2 games but McIlorum got first go at the back up hooker(or halfback if Sam was chosen) role and took the opportunity with both hands. He was excellent on Friday night and rightfully so has made S Tomkins have to wait his chance.

: Wed Feb 18, 2009 10:54 pm  

Looking at the 19 I would say my biggest concern is that we know at least 3 of them are carrying knocks.

Hopefully the players will be fit to play on Friday night and it wont come back to bite us on the bum.

I would still have liked to have seen Sam given a run out for this game though.

: Wed Feb 18, 2009 11:18 pm  

No Sam T again

: Thu Feb 19, 2009 1:01 am  

Assuming all 19 are fit to play:

FB Amos Roberts
RW Pat Richards
RC Darrell Goulding
LC George Carmont
LW Shaun Ainscough
SO Tim Smith
SH Thomas Leuluai
P Stuart Fielden
H Mark Riddell
P Eamon O'Carroll
SR Harrison Hansen
SR Sean O'Loughlin
LF Joel Tomkins
S Iafeta Paleeaesina
S Gareth Hock
S Phil Bailey
S Michael McIlorum

I'd bench Bailey because he's so slow it's irritating, if players run straight at him he'll knock them down all day but run to the side of him or ask him to do anything in attack and he's no chance. If Prescott was in the 19 man squad I'd have him on the bench and drop Bailey all together. If Riddell is fit to play it's fair that Sam Tomkins isn't in the squad because McIllorum earned his place last week.

: Thu Feb 19, 2009 7:43 am  

I hope he plays Ainscough. I didnt go to any of the friendlies but if Pryce is nowhere near match fit then we have to give Ainscough a go.

: Thu Feb 19, 2009 8:06 am  

I can see Noble bringing back Coley.

: Thu Feb 19, 2009 9:37 am  

It would be interesting to know how many people on here have actually watched Sam Tomkins, other than in the one off friendlies and cup game?

I'm not saying he isn't ready, but if things are as bad as we all think it will not be long until he becomes Nobby's (or anyone else's) go to man.

Anyone who's watched him consistently will know that he will be patient, and when his chance comes he will demonstrate is ability.

So basically everyone needs to stop getting their knickers in a twist.

: Thu Feb 19, 2009 9:43 am  

wigan_knight wrote:

He'll probably play Goulding wing and Bailey centre

And then no-one gets a pass

: Thu Feb 19, 2009 9:51 am  

Steinlager wrote:

It would be interesting to know how many people on here have actually watched Sam Tomkins, other than in the one off friendlies and cup game?

I'm not saying he isn't ready, but if things are as bad as we all think it will not be long until he becomes Nobby's (or anyone else's) go to man.

Anyone who's watched him consistently will know that he will be patient, and when his chance comes he will demonstrate is ability.

So basically everyone needs to stop getting their knickers in a twist.

I have seen him in a few reserve games and what annoys me the most is the standard of the reserve grade is very poor barring obviously Saints and Leeds. He is wasted at that level and needs some minutes of a good NL1 standard or Super League in order to progress. I am not building him up I just think at the moment he is going to waste. At 20 years old he is not a pup and should be being tested at a good level in order to further his development.