Tangi Ropati

[06moran]

I thought he had quite a slow start against Warrington, not doing much, but not doing too much wrong. Didn't see the crusaders game, didn't here anything bad or good about him. But I thought he was one of our best players against saints, looked dangerous in attack, and fairly solid in defence. Just wanted to hear peoples opinions on him so far?

[Mark]

I have to agree with you there mate, we didn't see much of him in the first 2 games, but he had a very good game on Sunday.  I was thinkin cause I think Betts could have a selection headache.  I can see Ropati starting this season and I would partner him with Tyrer.  Fordy is coming on good at centre, and there is also Varks, but could he be used in the front row cause he has had a few good games there.

[06moran]

I have to agree with you there mate, we didn't see much of him in the first 2 games, but he had a very good game on Sunday.  I was thinkin cause I think Betts could have a selection headache.  I can see Ropati starting this season and I would partner him with Tyrer.  Fordy is coming on good at centre, and there is also Varks, but could he be used in the front row cause he has had a few good games there.

Im yet to make up my mind between Ford or Tyrer. Ford looks much better in attack at centre, but is still a bit suspect in defence, or in a pressure situation close to the line, whereas Tyrer hasn't really played to his full potential in the friendlies

[Ratboy]

I can not decide who to have at centre yet, but Ropati is partnered with Flynn. Advantage with Tyrer is that he kicks goals.

[The Vicar]

Ropati and Ford to start in the centres for me , Tyrer on the wing.

The Vicar

[Sunny]

Ropati and Ford to start in the centres for me , Tyrer on the wing.

The Vicar

Agreed.... but I know that Ratboy isn't convinced.

[Steve]

I thought he had quite a slow start against Warrington, not doing much, but not doing too much wrong. Didn't see the crusaders game, didn't here anything bad or good about him. But I thought he was one of our best players against saints, looked dangerous in attack, and fairly solid in defence. Just wanted to hear peoples opinions on him so far?

I didn't go Saints game, so good to hear he did well.
I commented in another thread that I was disappointed in him after Wire and Cru games, although it's easy to expect too much of new signings!

I can see potential for a lot of movement between centres and second-row this year so there will be fierce competition for starting places as we have a glut of candidates who could fill either position. I've thought our centres have been under-utilised in last couple of seasons so am hopeful that Betts can bring the best out of them.

[Sandgroper]

I would hope that the interplay will be limited tbh.  We have missed centres striking up real partnerships with their wingers, particularly following TKL's injury.

One thing that show the difference with the SL sides is the speed of passing etc.  That needs players to be comfortable with each other, knowing each others lines and reactions.  Keep changing people around and that never materialises. You can certainly see how Gore, Craven. Gilmore and Owens respond to each other's play.

[Wanderer]

reading comments on a few threads the concensus appears to be that the Ropati-Flynn combination could be a winner at Championship level with competition for the other centre wing combination with a few possible permutations

[Flash]

My personal choice of Centre/Wing combos would be Ropati/Flynn and Tyrer/Gaskell with Alex Brown as cover and Gardner as cover to Brown but I doubt the latter end of my opinion will be shared with others 

[Ratboy]

My personal choice of Centre/Wing combos would be Ropati/Flynn and Tyrer/Gaskell with Alex Brown as cover and Gardner as cover to Brown but I doubt the latter end of my opinion will be shared with others 

That would be mine aswell as i think Tyrer will come good.An advantage is that he kicks goals, and that could be the difference in close games.

[Flash]

That would be mine aswell as i think Tyrer will come good.An advantage is that he kicks goals, and that could be the difference in close games.

I agree. It's my opinion that despite having the beauty of Craven's ability to kick goals, a fit Tyrer will always start this season.  His kicking ability is already established in both this division and SL.

[Sunny]

That would be mine aswell as i think Tyrer will come good.An advantage is that he kicks goals, and that could be the difference in close games.

So play him on the wing - where he played most of his games at Salfraud - with Ford as his centre. 

[Ratboy]

So play him on the wing - where he played most of his games at Salfraud - with Ford as his centre.  

Not convinced yet with Ford, but i know you love him and Gerrard. Wingers Gaskell,Flynn,and classy Alex Brown.

[Bruce Champion]

Not convinced yet with Ford, but i know you love him and Gerrard. Wingers Gaskell,Flynn,and classy Alex Brown.

Surprised to read that Ford is 28, therefore IF we get the nod I doubt we'd take him with us.  May come into consideration when selcting the team this year.