Re: Where do we need to Strengthen the Squad for 2013 and Be : Thu Mar 29, 2012 1:35 pm  

Andy Gilder wrote:

If you're identifying areas of need, then full back is IMO nowhere near the top of the list.

I'm not sure where this sudden down on BJB comes from. Prior to the high ball he dropped moments after getting a smack on the head in the GF (that lead to the Shenton try) I can't recall too many people questioning his credentials as Webb's heir apparent.

Hardaker looked more dangerous at Featherstone playing full back than he did on the wing for them IMO. He's very dangerous in open field, with deceptive pace and strength making him a real threat on kick returns.

I see the potential for him to be a good fullback, where his ability to beat the first man would be a real asset. I remember thinking the same about a young Lee Smith

Re: Where do we need to Strengthen the Squad for 2013 and Be : Thu Mar 29, 2012 2:02 pm  

BJB has the ball playing, passing skills that we like at fullback, so I'd expect him to be moved there eventually. Even if that means Smith, or someone else, on the wing.

Re: Where do we need to Strengthen the Squad for 2013 and Be : Thu Mar 29, 2012 2:08 pm  

Richie wrote:

BJB has the ball playing, passing skills that we like at fullback, so I'd expect him to be moved there eventually. Even if that means Smith, or someone else, on the wing.

I'm not convinced that he does certainly not to the extent that Webb / Mathers did

Re: Where do we need to Strengthen the Squad for 2013 and Be : Thu Mar 29, 2012 3:45 pm  

The worse move Mathers made was sign for the Gold Coach Titans. He was an Awesome Fullback until he left Leeds.

I'd have a 2004/5/6 Mathers back at Fullback in a Heartbeat.

Re: Where do we need to Strengthen the Squad for 2013 and Be : Thu Mar 29, 2012 7:25 pm  

Mathers at Leeds was enthusiastic and a good cheerleader but rarely if ever awesome. A perfectly adequate full-back for most of his time at Headingley and had he not left he may well have kept hold of the position for years to come although Smith was also coming through the ranks and looking promising as Mathers departed for the Gold Coast.

Re: Where do we need to Strengthen the Squad for 2013 and Be : Thu Mar 29, 2012 7:32 pm  

Clearwing wrote:

BJB - to me seems a confidence player. Maybe too much exposure at FB for him to handle. Leave him on the wing.
Webb - increasingly erratic, gives away far too many penalties.
Smith - don't hold much hope that he'll regain his form.

In short, I'd make a signing.

I would stick with BJB at fullback next year but you say you'd make a signing. Both GH and Brian McD said a signing would have to add quality to the squad. Who would you sign, Mini from the Roosters and who else is available?

Re: Where do we need to Strengthen the Squad for 2013 and Be : Thu Mar 29, 2012 7:55 pm  

Middleton_Loiner wrote:

The worse move Mathers made was sign for the Gold Coach Titans. He was an Awesome Fullback until he left Leeds.

I'd have a 2004/5/6 Mathers back at Fullback in a Heartbeat.

I would have the 04/5 Mathers but not the 06 version. By 06 he had become lazy in his positioning. Often not keeping up with play resulting in him running across field and giving away penalties for high tackles. Compare with Connoley who kept up with the game constantly move back and forth across the pitch and if breaks were made was nearly always lined up to take the tackle.

Leave Mathers well in the past!!!

Re: Where do we need to Strengthen the Squad for 2013 and Be : Fri Mar 30, 2012 8:39 am  

I think BJB will be a great Full Back when given the chance. Webb has shown a lot of frailty and I have been a big critic of his for the last season, but last weekend reminded me of how much influence a good full back has on the organisation of a side in defence and attack. By no means is that a slight at Smith, more a comment on the effectiveness of Webb in that area.

Re: Where do we need to Strengthen the Squad for 2013 and Be : Fri Mar 30, 2012 8:46 am  

Webb this year for me looks alot better to me than he has in a while, defence and attitude have always been a bit of a issue but he looks dangerous in attack and is returning the kick alot more enthusiastically.

Smith may have been rusty last week from injury, but that doesn't excuse the poor attitude, walking back to collect a ball, walking the ball back. I have always been a big fan of smith but he was dire last week.
As batley said I might be tempted to put the same line up out and say go prove yourself. That said if Webb is back he has to replace smith

Re: Where do we need to Strengthen the Squad for 2013 and Be : Fri Mar 30, 2012 9:02 am  

I'd agree on Webb this year, he does look a good influence on those around him and is making better decisions, but he doesn't seem to want to make a one up tackle ever.