So, the debate has started as to who plays at half back in the play-offs.
Mellor plays for me every time. He has been a standout performer all season. I will brook no argument here. Mellor plays.
Reynolds or Lam (junior) at stand off? Ben has played his best season yet for Leigh and to my eyes has improved his game. Lam hints at something special but is clearly, at the moment, still getting a feel for the plays and with his teammates' abilities.
Fate has shown its cruel hand here, literally for Ben. His injury has conveniently allowed Lam to get into the team and to perhaps play more minutes than he would otherwise might have expected to get. Whilst he looked clunky at times against Barrow he again showed touches of real class at times against Newcastle. The try he set up for Joe Wardle was a perfect example. The glide and acceleration into space that nanno seconds before did not appear to exist showed an awareness and athleticism and all round spatial awareness that reminded this old specatator - yes, humour me please on this - with a certain Leigh Great of a bygone era who also played stand-off.
Fleeting moment it was but it showed a glimpse of what i think we can begin to expect on a more regular basis.
Due to Ben's injury Lam has time to bed himself in before the play-offs. If he continues to improve then he plays. It would also be a huge surprise if Lam, who has been signed to come to play for us in Super League did not make the play off final selection. Tough one to call but that is what I think, for what it is worth.
The other point to make is that I do not think we can afford the luxury in a play off final having both Lam and Reynolds in the same match day squad. We have to be brave in selection and that will be unfortunate for one player or the other. The other positions in the squad are needed for interchanges elsewhere.
My final observation is on a different matter altogether. James McDonnell - well played and thank you. Your part in what will hopefully be one of our most enjoyable and successful seasons ever will not be forgotten. Good luck on your future career, except for when you play against Leigh, of course, and, who knows, you might just end up back with us again at some point. If you do, then I for one will be glad to see you back.
). Pretty sure Vancouver Leyther fancies Lam (not in a Corey Norman sort of way). Will actually meet Vanners for the first time before the York game as he is over from Canada. Looking forward to it.
