: Tue Mar 17, 2009 1:18 pm  

Lord_Percy wrote:

As alluded to by others, I don't think his size and comparative lack of speed are all that bad in a modern winger. If we've got someone, like Donald, with pace on the opposite flank I think the combination can be effective, a la Calderwood and Bai in 2004.

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Or for the older ones amongst us Atkinson and Smith.

: Tue Mar 17, 2009 1:20 pm  

Out and out winger for mine, he has the minimum speed required for a SL winger and has a good build, he's still young and will only get bigger and better, the few dropped balls are something that every young winger/full back goes through.

: Tue Mar 17, 2009 1:21 pm  

STEVENM wrote:

Or for the older ones amongst us Atkinson and Smith.

Thank you. For the first time in ages, I can point out I'm too young to remember those 2, before my time.

: Tue Mar 17, 2009 1:27 pm  

Lord_Percy wrote:

Thank you. For the first time in ages, I can point out I'm too young to remember those 2, before my time.

Well unfortunately you missed the best winger combination at the time,although if my fading memory is correct,Smithy was injury prone.

: Tue Mar 17, 2009 1:30 pm  

I think Ryan Hall still looks very raw. Technically he has a lot of improving to do, but he has a lot going for him and if he continues to improve and iron out the flaws in his game then he'll go on to great things I think. As I think has been well covered above, he can be error-prone at times, which is a common problem with young winners, but when he has those spells he never hides and always seems to pick himself up and bounce back that bit better for the experience. That as much as his obvious natural talent gives me reason to hope for him becoming a very good player. I certainly hope so, it isn't a poisition in which England are overly blessed at present.

: Tue Mar 17, 2009 1:52 pm  

Tony Soprano wrote:

Out and out winger for mine, he has the minimum speed required for a SL winger and has a good build, he's still young and will only get bigger and better, the few dropped balls are something that every young winger/full back goes through.

Out of Interest when you say get bigger? I take it you are not talking about natural growth?

Also what do you define as young? The lad is 21, 22 this year. He might be inexperienced, but he isn't young in todays game. Watkins is young, but he is nearly 3 and a half years younger than Hall.

: Thu Mar 19, 2009 1:40 am  

DISA wrote:

Out of Interest when you say get bigger? I take it you are not talking about natural growth?

Also what do you define as young? The lad is 21, 22 this year. He might be inexperienced, but he isn't young in todays game. Watkins is young, but he is nearly 3 and a half years younger than Hall.

I think Tone was pretty bang on in his assement.

While aged 21 Hall you're right he is not likely to grow any taller but there's some Darwin natural survival phenomena the body goes through that helps provide a rapid response in a change to environment. There is a term for it but not sure of it.

Still relatively little experience in the top flight and he's not been playing week in week out so lasts season inital exposure followed by an extended run this season should see him become physically more addapted as well as mentally.

Juniors need time to find their feet and readjust when stepping up.

: Thu Mar 19, 2009 8:26 am  

ChazRhino-06 wrote:

Hes quiet fit

I'd second that and I'm old enough to be his mum!!!!

Re: Is Ryan Hall...... : Thu Mar 19, 2009 9:34 am  

simy123 wrote:

Rapidly becoming one of the best all round wingers in the competition?

I cant think of too many I would prefer at present.

Nailed on to be an England winger at some point. Does'nt seem to make stupid mistakes like too many in the competition and has speed and strength. Very promising player.

Re: Is Ryan Hall...... : Thu Mar 19, 2009 10:17 am  

eddiewaringsflatcap wrote:

Nailed on to be an England winger at some point. Does'nt seem to make stupid mistakes like too many in the competition and has speed and strength. Very promising player.

also seems very modest and doesn't seem to show off (unlike some 'wingers' in other teams) when he scores a try- he does still make mistakes but I really think he's learnt a hell of alot this past year & IMO can only get better - glad we've signed him on a long term deal