KC's replacement .. : Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:06 am  

Well as it's possibility that this could be KC's last year as a player who do we think will replace hime next year and partner Roby ?

Not saying I'd welcome it but with the emergence of potential 1st teamer at Leeds McShane maybe Diskin will be looked at as a foil for Roby ?

: Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:19 am  

Two players out on loan, Smith and Moore.

I think Moore is the more likely to step up, a good year at Shudds dependent.

: Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:27 am  

Smith (unless he replaces Long) or Moore.

Depends on who plays better this year.

I think, based on the Leeds game, Smith will play a large portion of the match at hooker/dummy half this season.

: Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:30 am  

ST_CONROY wrote:

Smith (unless he replaces Long) or Moore.

Depends on who plays better this year.

I think, based on the Leeds game, Smith will play a large portion of the match at hooker/dummy half this season.

I think that is a good move for him. The one reservation I have is his reluctance to find the gap. At dummy half, if he can't think fast and scoot every so often, we run the risk of being stale when he is on the field.

: Wed Feb 11, 2009 12:39 pm  

Ski wrote:

I think that is a good move for him. The one reservation I have is his reluctance to find the gap. At dummy half, if he can't think fast and scoot every so often, we run the risk of being stale when he is on the field.

Also having two sleight hookers on the field might hamper the way we play aswell.
Keiron is a big guy and to be honest Smith isnt half of KC

: Wed Feb 11, 2009 12:43 pm  

Ande wrote:

Also having two sleight hookers on the field might hamper the way we play aswell.
Keiron is a big guy and to be honest Smith isnt half of KC

Spot on. People are looking at the purely the attacking scheme of things, if they are thinking about Smith filling a role at 9.

KC will be sorely missed when he finally calls it a day, and it is a fact that we have to acknowledge. There has been no other hookert I can think of who has as much impact in the defensive side of the game.

His hits are phenomenal at times, and it is an aspect of his game that many do not acknowledge. In a game where 'impact' and 'collision' are buzz words, it makes it all the more surprising.

: Wed Feb 11, 2009 12:52 pm  

eddiewaringsflatcap wrote:

Spot on. People are looking at the purely the attacking scheme of things, if they are thinking about Smith filling a role at 9.

KC will be sorely missed when he finally calls it a day, and it is a fact that we have to acknowledge. There has been no other hookert I can think of who has as much impact in the defensive side of the game.

His hits are phenomenal at times, and it is an aspect of his game that many do not acknowledge. In a game where 'impact' and 'collision' are buzz words, it makes it all the more surprising.

And that is where Moore comes in, only his "hits" tend to end up with him on his Iestyn. If he can hone his "man beast" (as Wilks calls him) to be effective, he would be the natural replacement.

: Wed Feb 11, 2009 12:55 pm  

eddiewaringsflatcap wrote:

Spot on. People are looking at the purely the attacking scheme of things, if they are thinking about Smith filling a role at 9.

KC will be sorely missed when he finally calls it a day, and it is a fact that we have to acknowledge. There has been no other hookert I can think of who has as much impact in the defensive side of the game.

His hits are phenomenal at times, and it is an aspect of his game that many do not acknowledge. In a game where 'impact' and 'collision' are buzz words, it makes it all the more surprising.

Indeed.

That aspect of Keiron's game is, unfortunately, irreplaceable. Whatever we do we will be weaker when he retires.

: Wed Feb 11, 2009 12:55 pm  

I think we have the replacement in Roby. I am not convinced that an interchange hooker is essential. I assume that Moore will come back and have some game time but any creative player on the bench would do i.e. Wheeler/Lomax.

: Wed Feb 11, 2009 2:16 pm  

Lets just hope its not his last year.
There is no replacement for the King