Morgan, Expansion and Grace

Morgan Knows
It hasn’t been an easy start for new recruit Ryan Morgan. A few decent flashes versus Leeds have made way to below par performances and fans are questioning his talent. However before we cast him alongside other luminaries to pull on the red vee such as Gray Viane, Heath Cruikshank and Darrell Trindall, I feel that he needs time to settle.
It can’t be easy trying to impress if you don’t get much ball out of the second row. As much as we salivate over the Saints left wing combo, it’s only correct that the coaching staff make our attack more balanced. Hopefully, with the subtle change of playing Wilkin in the second row, our right hand side can become as potent as the left, and I hope Morgan can prove to us what an exciting player he can be.

Expansion
The expansion of the national game is key to the growth and sustainability of Super League. As fans we are partisan, to the point of players being booed while playing for England because of their club affiliation. However, unlike Rugby Union, we don’t have the depth of squads, stars or salary cap to allow the best players to go and play (an arguably meaningless game) against Samoa while the league rumbles on.
The league has ensured 2 ‘Double Header’ weekends yet has somehow managed to slap in a Test match that means Percival and Walmsley will be missing from the Saints ranks next week. It is time the RFL looked at the calendar properly and ensured a mid-season break for a Test match, even if this means starting the season a week or 2 earlier.

Grace Under Pressure

Exploding into the Easter programme, Regan Grace has certainly excited every fan who has had the pleasure of seeing him pull on a Saints jumper. It was seen as a bold decision by our new management team to throw him in when, over the last few seasons, others less suited to the wing have been preferred.

The way he’s taken to Super League has been admirable and the pressure now switches from the decision to drop him in, to the youngsters own attitude and ability in the future. The Welshman has talent and looks to have the confidence to become a star in Super League. Let’s just not expect one of those mazy runs every week! Fingers crossed with Sean Long orchestrating the Saints attack he’ll flourish at Langtree Park for many more years.