Quote MD7="MD7"Damn lies and statistics... www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2009'" Now that is what you call tackle busts.

Quote MD7="MD7"Damn lies and statistics... www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2009'" Now that is what you call tackle busts.

Atkins is pap.

Quote MD7="MD7"Damn lies and statistics... www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2009'" Only difficulty with trying to compare these two is the fact that Bridge has played a lot in the halves, even when he has been named at 3. That said, I think his stats would possibly be even better had he been in 1 position all year rather than a utility.

Quote MD7="MD7"Damn lies and statistics... www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2009'" Only difficulty with trying to compare these two is the fact that Bridge has played a lot in the halves, even when he has been named at 3. That said, I think his stats would possibly be even better had he been in 1 position all year rather than a utility.

if that was the case he would be our only player i think you meant a year

Sorry for going off topic but



Clicked on the link above and went through the stats for some other players.



The conclusion I have come to is that JAMES GRAHAM IS A FREAK.



I dont like to give credit to other teams players but this guys stats are amazing.



My only criticism of him is that he's a bit lazy with his marker tackles





Compare his stats to those of Morley and Peacock. Hats off to the man.

If you can be bothered have a look back a fair fair few months back and find a thread on the wigan board...... All will become clear.

Again, it's difficult to compare like for like, as Saints have had to use him for large parts of games, meaning he has much more game time than any other prop in the league. That isn't to belittle his efforts, but I do worry that he will end up like Fielden tbh.



I'm sure Morley, Peacock etc. could do these long spells if necessary, however they don't as their clubs use them accordingly.



An important stat for me is metres per carry, as you want your forwards to make the hard yards. Out of our 5 props, Morley, Carvell and Rah all make more per carry than Graham, with Wood and Cooper being less.



Whilst his stats on the surface look very good, when you look at it realistically, the stats are not necessarily as good as if you spelled two props, so I would rather have a decent rotation, and I feel that Graham would be even better if he was allowed to be part of a pack like this.



An interesting stat that isn't included on there would be gametime, as it would allow us to really monitor effectiveness.



You could have an 80minute prop who could make 30 tackles and 200m, yet we could use 2 props for the 80mins and between them they could make 35 tackles and 220m. It's pretty clear which is the best for the team.

James Graham is an arrogant, classless, **** of a man.



However he is a borderline brilliant rugby league player and I'd give my left nut to have him in our team.

His career path does seem to be replicating that of Fielden though. Perhaps, he has had more physical stress placed on him in this season, than Fielden ever did.

Fielden had Anderson, Vagana and McDermott at his side for the majority if his Bradford career in comparison to Graham having Bryn Hargreaves, 10 Minute Maurie and Cayless who's never fit. He gets occasional back up in the front row from Clough and Pulutua also but overall he's like a one man front row.



Like you say you do have to wonder about burnout later in his career. His metres per carry isn't that impressive but the amount of carries he makes is truely amazing

I presume in your world the salary cap and contracts don't exist? Didn't we all criticise Wigan for signing all the best players without a thought to the financial consequences? Are you advocating we should do what they did? Or will you accept that nowadays putting together a squad is a balancing exercise?

On the occasions I've seen bridge at centre for you, I've been [ireally[/i impressed. Seems to threaten the outside constantly, but also has a great step inside aswell. I've not seen his defence compromised either.



Given that probably from only 3 games, but its so rare you see a english lad making a good job of centre that you take notice when it happens!



Something us Saints fans are very worried about. Prop's also the one position we don't seen to have the youngsters to fill.



We should hopefully see us sign 2 props in the off season (Cayless is going home) one big name and one journey man. Fingers crossed.