Cartwright straight in for me, not too bothered who makes way either.
I'm obviously delighted we managed to get a win on Saturday however it is important to not lose perspective on the fact it was only our second win this year, and the second row spot particularly has been an area of suspect/weakness during this terrible year.
With having a week off after this week do we give Jed a full two weeks training before bringing him in?or possibly move Scott back to centre in place off Sutcliffe ( who is playing poorly IMO) and start Chan in the second row and have a bench of Ashworth, Aydin, Cartwright and Balmforth.? Agree on Houghton, give him another couple of weeks.
Yes possibly agree with you give him a week or two to settle in and train, agree on Sutcliffe had a mare till his tackle at the end.
For me if he is fit, manages to do a full week of training with the team and is good to go Cartwright goes straight in to the 17. I'd say he takes Sutcliffes place in the 17 with Cam Scott back to centre, I'd also leave Danny out again and give Smith and Balmforth another run. Despite all the talk from within about things Balmforth needs to work on with his game he brought a real energy to the 17 and his strength, quick play and ability to know when to run it etc gave Leeds a real issue. Thought his defence was pretty sound too and although he started to flag a little towards the end that is to be expected when he isn't playing at that level often enough. Think the club would do a lot worse than to extend his deal for a year and give him a season under the tutelage of Cartwright.
For me if he is fit, manages to do a full week of training with the team and is good to go Cartwright goes straight in to the 17. I'd say he takes Sutcliffes place in the 17 with Cam Scott back to centre, I'd also leave Danny out again and give Smith and Balmforth another run. Despite all the talk from within about things Balmforth needs to work on with his game he brought a real energy to the 17 and his strength, quick play and ability to know when to run it etc gave Leeds a real issue. Thought his defence was pretty sound too and although he started to flag a little towards the end that is to be expected when he isn't playing at that level often enough. Think the club would do a lot worse than to extend his deal for a year and give him a season under the tutelage of Cartwright.
I wonder if it's too late for Balmforth, should have been playing him for short spells from the start of the season.
Now we could potential lose him and waste a quota spot on a unknown hooker, hopefully he is staying and we have a 3 wat battle for hooker.
Have a feeling that we he has decided to move on, hence the signing of two young hookers.
I wouldn't blame him to be fair.
I don't like the fact Grix has been talking about his weaknesses in public, seems to be picking him out, would never mention the fact Houghton is slow with distribution and hardly runs or Cator offers no threat with ball in hand, but is quick to mentioned areas Balmforth needs to work on in public.
I wonder if it's too late for Balmforth, should have been playing him for short spells from the start of the season.
Now we could potential lose him and waste a quota spot on a unknown hooker, hopefully he is staying and we have a 3 wat battle for hooker.
Have a feeling that we he has decided to move on, hence the signing of two young hookers.
I wouldn't blame him to be fair.
I don't like the fact Grix has been talking about his weaknesses in public, seems to be picking him out, would never mention the fact Houghton is slow with distribution and hardly runs or Cator offers no threat with ball in hand, but is quick to mentioned areas Balmforth needs to work on in public.
If Balmforth was leaving, I don't think he plays on Saturday. There would be no point, it would be a bit like Bullesye - "Let's have a look at what you could have won".
For me, I could handle going with Burrough, Rimbu and Balmforth, especially with Denive looking like he could play as a 13 as well.
With a solid pack of possibly Herman, Ligi, Cartwright, Holmes, Asiata, and another quality forward maybe, putting young Balmforth as a wrecking ball amongst this pack has me thinking the outlook is very much positive.
A bit of genuine pace in the three quarters please, with a flyer on the outside, the possibility of hope has returned.
If Balmforth was leaving, I don't think he plays on Saturday. There would be no point, it would be a bit like Bullesye - "Let's have a look at what you could have won".
For me, I could handle going with Burrough, Rimbu and Balmforth, especially with Denive looking like he could play as a 13 as well.
Did we have a choice, had no other hookers.
I hope he stays, but just a feeling (nothing more) that he leaves.
I think Grix probably spoke out about Denvie to quieten the noise and clamour from fans to see him included.
I don't agree with how he did it, but probably felt the pressure to say something. Rightly or wrongly.
Hope he stays, but equally won't be surprised if he leaves. I'd hope he sees a new coach coming in as a real opportunity to finally launch a good career.