: Sat Feb 14, 2009 2:50 am  

UllFC wrote:

we're just about guaranteed to have at least one back out injured at anytime though. Raynor in particular seems to pick up a lot of knocks these days. I think Byrne will still make a lot of appearances this season.

Yeah, that's what it'll have to be really. As cover, he's great, being able to slot in anywhere in the back five and do a solid job. After G Horne's performance at centre tonight though, I think any chance of Byrne getting a spot in the first 13 has gone. Even without Hall, there'd be no way Byrne should be displacing Horne at centre now.

: Sat Feb 14, 2009 7:02 am  

On the night we paid tribute to Arthur Keegan, Bryne made three Keegan like tackles. One knock on apart a very safe selection in the number 1 position.

: Sat Feb 14, 2009 7:20 am  

byrne wa great made 1 mistake i think and looked to be everywhere

: Sat Feb 14, 2009 7:52 am  

His one on one tackling was outstanding and he is strong for his size, 3 try savers at least tonight.

: Sat Feb 14, 2009 7:54 am  

Skinny Byrne was my MOM last night by some way too. That one boo boo aside, his position play was near perfect, safe under the high ball and ran the ball back with gusto. His hit on Goulding was immense. I was in the third row west stand just on the try line and the sound that the impact made me wince let alone being on the receiving end. Think Motu will have his work cut out to get back in the side and rightfully so. An injury might have put Byrne in the starting line but merit will keep him there.

Nice one Todd.

: Sat Feb 14, 2009 8:08 am  

I'm sure he had a reputation back in oz of making these type of tackles i.e putting is body on the line which considering his build isn't what most people would expect.

Good game from him last night, well done Todd.

: Sat Feb 14, 2009 8:32 am  

Byrne was outstanding tonight, and 1 knock on apart i think a real MOM contender.His try saving hit in the SW corner was worth the gate money alone, infact our all round outside defence was awesome and a major step up on last years efforts, early days I know, but take a bow Mr Sharp!!!!

: Sat Feb 14, 2009 8:36 am  

juryman wrote:

Byrne was outstanding tonight, and 1 knock on apart i think a real MOM contender.His try saving hit in the SW corner was worth the gate money alone, infact our all round outside defence was awesome and a major step up on last years efforts, early days I know, but take a bow Mr Sharp!!!!

taking nothing away from radders as i thought he deserved MOTM, but im sure Todney will find himself hard done by that he didnt get it too! Very encouraging

: Sat Feb 14, 2009 8:37 am  

trys'r'us wrote:

He was solid enough, as always, but, as always, didn't offer much going forwards. It was noticeable how we struggled to clear our own end, especially early on before Wigan tired, without Tony and Raynor.

It's unfortunate for Byrne, who always gives his all and rarely lets the team down, but I can't see how he'll get a spot in the 17 when all are fit. His versatility might make him worthy of a bench spot, but I'd much rather have four forwards.

He was better than that. He effectively won us the match with his try saver tackles as Wigan broke us more than we broke them. Someone else on here said recently full backs rarely have to make tackles. Hope they were there last night. To say Byrne was 'solid enough' is a massive understatement of his inluence on last night's game. Tony will have to hit the ground running to get his place back - in my opinion Tony should be brought back on to the bench as our utility back initially as I don't see how Byrne can be dropped playing like he did last night. If Tony shows better form then sure he should be in but not automatically back into the starting line up. Also, Yeaman should not be an automatic choice at centre. Didn't play too bad last night but not as well as G Horne. Where was he when Briscoe broke the tackle ? An option on the other shoulder would have resulted in a try. Top centres read the game and support.

[Kosh]

: Sat Feb 14, 2009 8:47 am  

Would this be the same Todd Byrne who just a few weeks ago was a 'waste of a quota space' and a primary example of Peter Sharp's poor recruitment?

Just checking.