v Swinton Away : Fri Apr 07, 2017 3:53 pm  

Those that have been clamouring for TS to blood some younger squad members this season have got their way for the Swinton game thanks to injuries.

In to the 19 come Oakes, Cator, Clavering and Milton. Bobby Blair is back and Zach Docker Clay will play off the bench according to Sheens. Still no Greenwood or Addy. Clarkson and Moss are injured and Heffernan and Minns are concussed.

Like Burton, I am a little bit concerned for the futures of Greenwood and Minns given their recent past history of concussions even in the short time they have been at HKR. Fingers crossed.

Re: v Swinton Away : Fri Apr 07, 2017 4:12 pm  

Pickering Red wrote:

Those that have been clamouring for TS to blood some younger squad members this season have got their way for the Swinton game thanks to injuries.

In to the 19 come Oakes, Cator, Clavering and Milton. Bobby Blair is back and Zach Docker Clay will play off the bench according to Sheens. Still no Greenwood or Addy. Clarkson and Moss are injured and Heffernan and Minns are concussed.

Like Burton, I am a little bit concerned for the futures of Greenwood and Minns given their recent past history of concussions even in the short time they have been at HKR. Fingers crossed.

I think Oakes will be better than any of our wingers come the end of the season and I'm glad he could get his chance

Re: v Swinton Away : Fri Apr 07, 2017 5:16 pm  

Pickering Red wrote:

Those that have been clamouring for TS to blood some younger squad members this season have got their way for the Swinton game thanks to injuries.

In to the 19 come Oakes, Cator, Clavering and Milton. Bobby Blair is back and Zach Docker Clay will play off the bench according to Sheens. Still no Greenwood or Addy. Clarkson and Moss are injured and Heffernan and Minns are concussed.

Like Burton, I am a little bit concerned for the futures of Greenwood and Minns given their recent past history of concussions even in the short time they have been at HKR. Fingers crossed.

I still think we should beat them for a change we have half decent back up players

Re: v Swinton Away : Fri Apr 07, 2017 7:49 pm  

Swinton have their own injury woes plus their DR partner Wigan are unable to offer any assistance.

Looking at Rovers squad, at least 2 of the fringe players will be in the 17. I'm wondering if Will Oakes will get his opportunity IF Horne is switched to centre. Sheens may prefer to have Hodgson on the wing rather than have a new flank pairing. Cator's try scoring feats (for other teams) might leapfrog him over Milton & Clavering.

Sheens appears to be deliberating over whether to play Blair or rest him for the Easter fixtures. If he takes the latter option then 3 of the 4 fringe players will play, a ploy I doubt considering Sheens conservative approach up to now.

For me, the enforced changes to Rovers squad do not affect the 'spine' and, if anything, the inclusion of ZD-C probably enhances it. I see nothing but a comfortable victory for Rovers.

Re: v Swinton Away : Fri Apr 07, 2017 9:22 pm  

I don't ever want to see Horne play centre again. Salter & Shaw can play there, with Hodgson & Oakes on the flanks.

Re: v Swinton Away : Fri Apr 07, 2017 9:42 pm  

SirStan wrote:

I don't ever want to see Horne play centre again. Salter & Shaw can play there, with Hodgson & Oakes on the flanks.

Ditto. Horne is a no-no at centre for me. Blair at centre would be a better fit, as he played numerous NRL games there, but expect him to start in the second row.

Your centre / wing combo suggestions make more sense too and cover more bases.

Between Cator and Milton, I expect Milton might get the nod.

Re: v Swinton Away : Fri Apr 07, 2017 10:29 pm  

Why any coach thinks Horne can play centre is beyond me I still blame him for relegation

Re: v Swinton Away : Sat Apr 08, 2017 7:44 am  

SirStan wrote:

I don't ever want to see Horne play centre again. Salter & Shaw can play there, with Hodgson & Oakes on the flanks.

Totally agree with you, mind you I say the same about Charlie at full back!

Re: v Swinton Away : Sat Apr 08, 2017 8:54 am  

Sheens has great history with young players. I think he knows what he's doing.
It's an away game, they will rough it up. Docker-Clay is a new starter so I imagine he won't play too many of the youngsters as too many new to the team will complicate things further.
Alex Ferguson used to debut young players in home games against weaker opposition to make the test as easy as possible. Protect them and build their confidence. A lot went on to have very long successful careers
Oakes and a few others got Wigan away as their debuts...Sheens looks like he's going to protect them. He will let them loose when they are ready.

Re: v Swinton Away : Mon Apr 10, 2017 6:02 am  

How the hell have Shaw and Salter been given a 7 rating in the HDM, both players were atrocious, defensively inept and didn't work hard enough going forward. The pairing of Dave and Oakes on the other flank worked, Oakes worked tirelessly on out sets (Harder than any other outside back) and several quick POB's off him put us in good stead for breakaway plays, Dave still has a touch of class and helped Oakes out in his first outing this season, I would like to see the ball go out to Oakes a bit more to see how potent he can be in open play. Abdull killed a few good moves by 'going it alone' which is not necessary, give the ball some air instead of gunning for personal glory!!! ZDC looks like he will be class and a real good signing great around the ruck and his distribution is quick and decisive. Milton looks a useful lad and needs more game time (why is he not playing instead of Salter???). If Moss & Heff are fit for Friday then i'd bring them back and drop Salter and Shaw who at best offer little, Keep Oakes in and if Minns is fit put Dave on the bench (bit old for 2 games in 5 days). Horne.... Why???? keep him out of the team and Cator or Clavering in it.