the only problem with the back row is noble. we probably have the strongest group of players in this area in SL

Totally agree I’m a firm believer in Noble but he is handling the back row completely wrong as you highlighted Hock is at his best when he’s running hard at tiring defences, usually giving him the opportunity to offload to support player as he isn't fully stopped. At that start of a match the defence will or should be working at their best and Hock will be less effective. Simple really just play him of the bench coming on for Hansen.

To me it seems like Noble doesnt learn from the season before and has started from scratch again.

The beginning of last year he was using Feka and Hock as starting players and then, as the season went on, started using them as impact players and reaping the benefits from their better performances.

But this season he has just forgotten all that and it appears he's going to have to learn that lesson all over again and waste time rather than building upon what he already knows

Hansen, Bailey and O'Loughlin to start with Hock and Tomkins on the bench.

Correct!

That's how it should be.



Feka on the bench also with O'Carroll or Prescott to start, and Coley in the reserves or on loan until he finds some form.

If I had to pick who I think would be the best back row combination it would be:-



11 - Hansen

12 - O'Loughlin

13 - Tomkins



Hock taking a spot on the bench and maybe Bailey joining him there, that or Mossop/Farrell



That starting 3 gives us 2 top defenders, one one each side of the pitch in O'Loughlin and Hansen and Tomkins comes in as the attacking threat of the 3 picking out opportunities from Loose Forward

There's no way Mossop or Farrell get anywhere near barring injuries IMO. I'd run Coley at second row and use both Prescott and O'Barrel before that.

For me Joel T was one of the stars of our squad to the back end of the season. So I agree think he should play 13 full time and move Lockers to the 2nd row.

Jimmy,

Our worst two defeats last year came with Bailey missing and Coley in the second row.



I really don't like your idea.

Nobles ranking order of backrowers in terms of talent-



1-Bailey

2-O'Loughlin

3-Hock

4-Hansen

5-J Tomkins



actual ranking order in terms of talent and form over a 12 month period-



1-J Tomkins

2-Hansen

3-Hock

4-O'Loughlin

5-Bailey



That imo is how things stand and Noble has the list back to front. It's also interesting to note that Nobbys list goes in age order(as does mine) showing that the guy thinks you have to be experienced to have anything about you.



The 2nd list is genuinely how those lads have preformed in ranking order over the last 12months and the order they deserved to be picked in if you go on form alone and not age, coaches favourites etc etc.



I'm not saying we should pick our backrow in that order as you need to strike a good balance but one thing i'd say is certain is that J Tomkins should be starting and Bailey should be missing out on the squad if your only picking 4 backrowers(like we should be).

Spot on.



It's the old jobs for the boys team selection approach. By the time he's figured it out, once again, the top 2 will be out of sight, once again.