I think you do Flower a disservice. None of our props end up making a huge number of carries because they are all spelled pretty much equally. And while Flower doesn't carry as strong as Bullock he gets quick play the ball and has good technique going into contact (although the strapping on his knee slowed him down noticeably). His defence is exceptional and his technique in the tackle generally prevents dangerous players from getting on top and that's what we'll need to replace. Our defence is often noticeably stronger when Flower is on the field, particularly around the ruck.



Also, Tautai shouldn't be in the side given he's the latest on our growing list of drink drivers.

Flower is mediocre which makes him the best prop we have. The TT comment was prior to the news released today.

he must have had a drink to celebrate....

He must have been sipping his drinks through a Homer Simpson style beer can bat because there’s no way he could have kept hold of a pint pot without dropping it.

I would imagine Wigan would have made enquiries about bringing Mitch Clark in now.

Minus Flower I think we can rule out a tilt at the top five. We’re bad enough in that department with him, so I can only shudder how much worse we’ll be minus the only prop we have of an acceptable standard.



It should be a good opportunity to take a look at a few young forwards in the squad. Mist clubs would pull a signing out the bag in circumstances were you’ve lost three props from your squad but I doubt we’ll go down that path. If not then they may as well see it as an opportunity to take a look at a few lads like Partington, Byrne, Kibula, Kilner and Havard. I’d try and get the majority of those some game time over the coming weeks/months.

Agree with your general point but I hope we don't bring Kibula in. He looked way off the pace for Swinton v Toronto. The prophecies people were making of him taking over from Lockers were well wide of the mark. Can't see him playing first team for us again.

TBF most prophesies are way off. Speaking of Swinton, I remember some on here proclaiming Rhodri Lloyd as the next big thing years back. Some of our fans are always at it.

Yep, Greg Burke was the next SOL.



Smithies looks the closest I’ve seen to show anywhere near the potential to replace SOL , but he’s still only very young yet so we need to manage our expectations.

Agreed, the same with Smith and Hanley. There's a long way between being a promising youngster and a competent super league player, never mind any more than that.

I quite liked what I saw of him back in 2012 but he never seemed to kick on.

He's captain at Swinton now. Just found his level I think.