Stu M:Phuzzy:I think it's an interesting take to say the "golden generation" tag was mocked Stu. I don't think it was as such. Most people just cautioned against the unreasonable expectations that were being put forward. You mention that 4 appear to be doing well at the moment but that's still a long way from what was being put forward. There are equally as many that haven't gone anywhere near as well, including the 2 Wigan have signed.
As I remember it, the overriding opinion was that 2 or 3 regular first team players out of any given age group would be a good return. Anything more, a bonus. As it stands you have 1 regular who gets in above the other options (Robertson) and 3 who get in as cover or rotation. That seems about par to me so far.
I do think there is strong evidence that the other 3 could (should already ?) go further up the pecking order but, as with all younger players, there's no guarantee of that. We've all seen players come in with a bang only to fade into obscurity further down the track.
For what it's worth, it's good to see young players coming through regardless of the club and I hope all the "golden generation" go on to have good careers... especially the 2 heading this way over the hill
Fair points well made and nice to see you posting again.
Stephens and Whitby would be in my first choice 17 and Dagnall has certainly exceeded expectations. I’m not sure what’s going to happen in a couple of weeks time when Murphy is fit.
I really rate Murphy and I think he’s done well. He has a lot of attributes, unfortunately as expected I guess, he’s picked up injuries which was always the risk.
It’s Dagnalls shirt to lose and I think it would be harsh to drop him for Murphy because he’s done nothing wrong and performed really well
I actually wrote a long reply to one of your previous posts only to see it completely disappear when I pressed send! This site has been hit or miss like that for a while which is why I haven't been posting much. Hopefully it's settling down a little as more people seem to be posting more regularly recently. Fingers crossed..
I agree that Stephens and Dagnall look ready but I'm less convinced about Whitby yet. Watching him last night he looked overawed and pressured far too easily and his seeming lack of pace means he can't afford to be pressured in that way. Harry Smith isn't blessed with pace but seems to have all the time in the world on the ball. Whitby is very young so could quite easily get there too but I don't think he is yet (in order to be your regular starter) or that it's a foregone conclusion that he will do. I think your desire to see him as a regular starter is more to do with Saint's poor options in the halves than anything to do with standout talent on Whitby's part. If he was behind Smith, for example, I doubt there'd be much clamour for him to be playing regularly.
On Robertson, btw, I said above that he is the one that looks to be there on merit. I'd like to temper that slightly and say "but not at centre". He's all class but was really exposed last night against Niu. He's been drafted into the England squad but can you imagine him there against the Aussies? It would be carnage! I think he's a massive talent but would like to see him in his more natural positions of fullback or stand off.
