: Sat Jul 04, 2009 9:58 pm  

Staffs FC wrote:

Those of us who understand the game have been calling for Rich to be given a ball playing 13 role

Have we?

: Sat Jul 04, 2009 10:00 pm  

trys'r'us wrote:

Have we?

You dont then?

: Sat Jul 04, 2009 10:02 pm  

trys'r'us wrote:

Have we?

: Sat Jul 04, 2009 10:12 pm  

denbo63 wrote:

You dont then?

I don't think he has the physicality required to play regularly at 13. I don't think he could make 30+ tackles and 10+ hit-ups every game for a full season. He'd go well there (or in the second row) as an interchange player, but I can't see him being a regular starter. He should be in the 17 every week though, regardless of where he comes on.

For this season, I'd keep him at fullback (assuming Tony doesn't return) after tonight's showing. He doesn't have the pace to really make that spot his own, but he showed more than enough to suggest that he'll do a good job there.

: Sat Jul 04, 2009 10:36 pm  

Whiting did fantastic today at full back; i know it is always said but with an extra couple of yards of pace this guy could be world class

He has got to be starting week in week out; for me he needs to start at 6 with berrigan at 7 for the time being

Next season him and washbrook should be battling it out for the 13 shirt

: Sat Jul 04, 2009 10:36 pm  

trys'r'us wrote:

I don't think he has the physicality required to play regularly at 13. I don't think he could make 30+ tackles and 10+ hit-ups every game for a full season. He'd go well there (or in the second row) as an interchange player, but I can't see him being a regular starter. He should be in the 17 every week though, regardless of where he comes on.

For this season, I'd keep him at fullback (assuming Tony doesn't return) after tonight's showing. He doesn't have the pace to really make that spot his own, but he showed more than enough to suggest that he'll do a good job there.

No he can play at 6 or 13. Paul Cooke has no more pace than Rich Whiting. Paul Cooke doesn't make 30+ tackles and 10+ hit ups. Rich Whiting has in the past 'owned' bigger more powerful centres despite not being a centre. The fact is he is a better footballer than Thorman, R Horne, Tony and clearly has more skill than Radford Tickle et al who have played at 13. So 6/13 whatever the guy needs to be given a role where he can make defences start thinking and making decisions like he did today against one of the league's better defences. Don't complicate the issue. He came on at FB (where he is less effective) and helped to transform our attacking options. That was demonstrable today to anyone watching. The guy should be given a pivotal ball playing role. Forget tackles and hit-ups - let's start asking questions of the opposition instead of grafting our way down the middle.

: Sat Jul 04, 2009 10:37 pm  

DORIAN J ASQUITH wrote:

Whiting did fantastic today at full back; i know it is always said but with an extra couple of yards of pace this guy could be world class

He has got to be starting week in week out; for me he needs to start at 6 with berrigan at 7 for the time being

Next season him and washbrook should be battling it out for the 13 shirt

But but but.... he's from Hull...BLASPHEMER!

Burn him!

: Sat Jul 04, 2009 10:40 pm  

Staffs FC wrote:

No he can play at 6 or 13. Paul Cooke has no more pace than Rich Whiting. Paul Cooke doesn't make 30+ tackles and 10+ hit ups. Rich Whiting has in the past 'owned' bigger more powerful centres despite not being a centre. The fact is he is a better footballer than Thorman, R Horne, Tony and clearly has more skill than Radford Tickle et al who have played at 13. So 6/13 whatever the guy needs to be given a role where he can make defences start thinking and making decisions like he did today against one of the league's better defences. Don't complicate the issue. He came on at FB (where he is less effective) and helped to transform our attacking options. That was demonstrable today to anyone watching. The guy should be given a pivotal ball playing role. Forget tackles and hit-ups - let's start asking questions of the opposition instead of grafting our way down the middle.

: Sat Jul 04, 2009 10:40 pm  

Whiting could easily fill the gap left by Paul Crooke.
He's got a good range of passing, a great rugby brain, & is ideally suited to play 6 or 13. Plus he's got a good attitude.
I'd like to see him given a position that suits his game & let him have an exended run.
Let's hope we get him signed up soon.

: Sat Jul 04, 2009 10:41 pm  

Staffs FC wrote:

Those of us who understand the game have been calling for Rich to be given a ball playing 13 role because he has the ability to open up defences as he showed several times today. We lack footballers as our points for column is testament to and he can produce the goods. My biggest gripe with Agar has been his selection policy this year. When we've needed something different he has failed to demonstrate the imagination required. He even dropped Whiting when the less talented Graeme Horne returned from injury.

At the end of the day he is neither a FB or centre but could play a role similar to Crooke with the right structures in the team. He can pass accurately both ways and can stand defenders up in the line. Rich W at 6 or 13 for the rest of the season please we need to try something different.

Spot on with many of your points Staffs FC.
Now forgive me if I rant but I have just nicely got home from the pub.
We have seen over the years our beautiful game stifled in my opinion by the Australian influence. Geniuses who could play off the cuff like Tony Dean, Knocker Norton, and Mick Crane, have been squeezed out of our game by worshipping at the alter of defence and sticking to the game plan.
Now back to Richard Whiting. We have a little gem here that has a great footballing brain, can read the game, and get it by the scruff of its neck and change it like we saw tonight.
Richard does not want to be stuck in the centres. Come on Richard Agar take a chance, give him a free reign at say loose or stand off. I dont think he will let you down.
I thank you and good night.