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Platt: I'm no cert for full back spot
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| Michael Platt, pictured, admits Dave Halley could scupper his return as full against former club Castleford on Sunday |
World Cup hopeful Michael Platt fears he won't get back in the Bulls side following his troublesome hamstring injury.
The flair full back won rave reviews last season, scoring 14 tries and winning a call-up to Great Britain's squad for the series against New Zealand.
He has looked to build on that this time around but following a difficult start missed the last three games after pulling up
during a man-of-the-match display in Perpignan.
Platt hopes to return against former club Castleford on Sunday but realises the performances of stand-in rookie Dave Halley, 21, may see him stuck on the sidelines even longer.
"Dave went really well against Leeds and again versus Quins," he said.
"He is a good player and I'm not taking anything for granted.
"Just because I might be fit again doesn't mean I'll get the spot back.
"I might not get selected. We'll have to wait and see."
Halley's exciting performance was one of few plus points emerging from the Rhinos humiliation and the pacy Wales international was equally assured on Easter Monday.
Platt, who turned 24 on Sunday, is itching to get the chance to return to the fray though, having twice come close, failing fitness tests the day before Bradford's last two games.
He has endured a frustrating Easter and said: "It's always hard with hamstrings to work out when you will be ready. I wasn't for Leeds or Quins but I should be this week and it'd be great to be back to play Cas.
"I missed out due to injury when we played them in the cup last year and it'd be disappointing to do the same again.
"I've a few old friends down there and it's always fun facing your mates but most of all I just want to get playing again."
Platt left Castleford following their relegation from Super League in 2006, joining Bradford in a £10,000 deal.
6:23am Thursday 27th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: cst, bradford on 8:19am Thu 27 Mar 08
put platt out wide and bring nero in side has he not done a lot out there cup game club said they got to play on that day becasue ther part-timers and and they can not chagne kick off bacasue of travel times
put platt out wide and bring nero in side has he not done a lot out there cup game club said they got to play on that day becasue ther part-timers and and they can not chagne kick off bacasue of travel times
Posted by: Adrian, Bradford on 8:57am Thu 27 Mar 08
Can't afford to leave Platt out...simply because we haven't got the numbers! But he has a point. Dave Halley has looked a lot better at Full back this year than Platt. He's just as quick and his positioning seems to be a lot better without the "hearts in the mouth" antics in his own 20m
Can't afford to leave Platt out...simply because we haven't got the numbers! But he has a point. Dave Halley has looked a lot better at Full back this year than Platt. He's just as quick and his positioning seems to be a lot better without the "hearts in the mouth" antics in his own 20m
Posted by: haitch, Lincolnshire on 10:01am Thu 27 Mar 08
Because of the injury situation I would like to see Platt at F/B and Halley on the wing. Halley has been great at F/B but if Platt fears for his place a bit he might get it together again and with him on form and the exciting Halley on the wing, things might just start to turn around.
Because of the injury situation I would like to see Platt at F/B and Halley on the wing. Halley has been great at F/B but if Platt fears for his place a bit he might get it together again and with him on form and the exciting Halley on the wing, things might just start to turn around.
Posted by: billy_bremner, bradford on 10:41am Thu 27 Mar 08
Halley to stay at fullback. Looks more confident there than out wide. Why not give Platt a go on the wing. Every other non-winger seems to have had a go!
Halley to stay at fullback. Looks more confident there than out wide. Why not give Platt a go on the wing. Every other non-winger seems to have had a go!
Posted by: Adrian, Bradford on 12:01pm Thu 27 Mar 08
My squad for the weekend:
1.Sykes
2.Halley
3.Evans
4.Hape
5.Tadulala
6.Jeffries
7.Deacon (c)
8.Lynch
9.Godwin
10.Feather
11.Solomona
12.Nero
13.Finnigan
Subs
14. Burgess
15. James/Kopczak
16. Cook
17. Platt
My squad for the weekend:
1.Sykes
2.Halley
3.Evans
4.Hape
5.Tadulala
6.Jeffries
7.Deacon (c)
8.Lynch
9.Godwin
10.Feather
11.Solomona
12.Nero
13.Finnigan
Subs
14. Burgess
15. James/Kopczak
16. Cook
17. Platt
Posted by: wibseyrl, Wibsey on 3:03pm Thu 27 Mar 08
i think halley should stay at fullback. the way he has played i can see him improving each game and take him out of that and he wont play the same. bulls policy is usually play the name rather than form and i hope mac plays halley at fullback. platt has been poor all season and the end of last season. halley could be one for the future but just needs more game time and i think he could cement the fullback jersey if he carries on!
i think halley should stay at fullback. the way he has played i can see him improving each game and take him out of that and he wont play the same. bulls policy is usually play the name rather than form and i hope mac plays halley at fullback. platt has been poor all season and the end of last season. halley could be one for the future but just needs more game time and i think he could cement the fullback jersey if he carries on!
Posted by: BigBullyBooaza, Bradford on 3:07pm Thu 27 Mar 08
The best squad for the weekend:
1.Halley
2.Evans
3.Sykes
4.Crookes
5.Tadulala
6.Jeffries
7.Deacon (c)
8.Lynch
9.Godwin
10.Feather
11.Solomona
12.Burgess
13.Finnigan
Subs
14. Nero
15. James
16. Cook
17. Harris
The best squad for the weekend:
1.Halley
2.Evans
3.Sykes
4.Crookes
5.Tadulala
6.Jeffries
7.Deacon (c)
8.Lynch
9.Godwin
10.Feather
11.Solomona
12.Burgess
13.Finnigan
Subs
14. Nero
15. James
16. Cook
17. Harris
Posted by: Adrian, Bradford on 3:13pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]BigBullyBooaza[/bold] wrote:
The best squad for the weekend: 1.Halley 2.Evans 3.Sykes 4.Crookes 5.Tadulala 6.Jeffries 7.Deacon (c) 8.Lynch 9.Godwin 10.Feather 11.Solomona 12.Burgess 13.Finnigan Subs 14. Nero 15. James 16. Cook 17. Harris[/quote] You'd pick Harris on the bench over Hape? I know Shonny has been out of sorts but he's better than Iestyn!
BigBullyBooaza wrote:
The best squad for the weekend: 1.Halley 2.Evans 3.Sykes 4.Crookes 5.Tadulala 6.Jeffries 7.Deacon (c) 8.Lynch 9.Godwin 10.Feather 11.Solomona 12.Burgess 13.Finnigan Subs 14. Nero 15. James 16. Cook 17. Harris
You'd pick Harris on the bench over Hape? I know Shonny has been out of sorts but he's better than Iestyn!
Posted by: MQBlank, south yorks on 3:29pm Thu 27 Mar 08
cant see crookes getting a start , he be lucky to get on the bench no matter how well he played at widnes
cant see crookes getting a start , he be lucky to get on the bench no matter how well he played at widnes
Posted by: wibseyrl, Wibsey on 3:40pm Thu 27 Mar 08
was he any good for widnes?
was he any good for widnes?
Posted by: Brian, Wibsey on 4:17pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Apparently he's played really well and scored a few tries. However, he's still only 17 and I wouldn't drop our only world class back. Shontayne needs games and confidence, not dropping.
Apparently he's played really well and scored a few tries. However, he's still only 17 and I wouldn't drop our only world class back. Shontayne needs games and confidence, not dropping.
Posted by: BigBullyBooaza, Bradford on 4:19pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Adrian[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]BigBullyBooaza[/bold] wrote: The best squad for the weekend: 1.Halley 2.Evans 3.Sykes 4.Crookes 5.Tadulala 6.Jeffries 7.Deacon (c) 8.Lynch 9.Godwin 10.Feather 11.Solomona 12.Burgess 13.Finnigan Subs 14. Nero 15. James 16. Cook 17. Harris[/quote] You'd pick Harris on the bench over Hape? I know Shonny has been out of sorts but he's better than Iestyn![/quote] If Hape could cover hooker then he would be but as far as I'm aware he can't.
In fact sod it this the best squad:
1.Halley
2.Keith Booaza
3.Sykes
4.Crookes
5.Tadulala
6.Jeffries
7.Deacon (c)
8.Lynch
9.Godwin
10.James
11.Solomona
12.Cook
13.Burgess
Subs
14. Kopczak
15. Feather
16. Cook
17. Evans
- No harris as a matter of principle
Adrian wrote:
BigBullyBooaza wrote: The best squad for the weekend: 1.Halley 2.Evans 3.Sykes 4.Crookes 5.Tadulala 6.Jeffries 7.Deacon (c) 8.Lynch 9.Godwin 10.Feather 11.Solomona 12.Burgess 13.Finnigan Subs 14. Nero 15. James 16. Cook 17. Harris
You'd pick Harris on the bench over Hape? I know Shonny has been out of sorts but he's better than Iestyn!
If Hape could cover hooker then he would be but as far as I'm aware he can't.
In fact sod it this the best squad:
1.Halley
2.Keith Booaza
3.Sykes
4.Crookes
5.Tadulala
6.Jeffries
7.Deacon (c)
8.Lynch
9.Godwin
10.James
11.Solomona
12.Cook
13.Burgess
Subs
14. Kopczak
15. Feather
16. Cook
17. Evans
- No harris as a matter of principle
Posted by: haitch, Lincolnshire on 4:33pm Thu 27 Mar 08
You guys don't appear to like Platt and he's not even in your squads. If he can play to anything like the standard of last year he would be a great assett. He did after all get a a call up to the GB training squad. He is being critisised (and rightly so) for his silly passes near his own line and he has to learn, but it may be more about getting used to the new faces. Others have been guilty of grave errors but these are always more noticeable near your own line. Halley is great BTW and there is room for the two of them to play.Platt is a good support player and will show up better feeding off the likes of Jefferies and Sol.
You guys don't appear to like Platt and he's not even in your squads. If he can play to anything like the standard of last year he would be a great assett. He did after all get a a call up to the GB training squad. He is being critisised (and rightly so) for his silly passes near his own line and he has to learn, but it may be more about getting used to the new faces. Others have been guilty of grave errors but these are always more noticeable near your own line. Halley is great BTW and there is room for the two of them to play.Platt is a good support player and will show up better feeding off the likes of Jefferies and Sol.
Posted by: Adrian, Bradford on 4:46pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]haitch[/bold] wrote:
You guys don't appear to like Platt and he's not even in your squads. If he can play to anything like the standard of last year he would be a great assett. He did after all get a a call up to the GB training squad. He is being critisised (and rightly so) for his silly passes near his own line and he has to learn, but it may be more about getting used to the new faces. Others have been guilty of grave errors but these are always more noticeable near your own line. Halley is great BTW and there is room for the two of them to play.Platt is a good support player and will show up better feeding off the likes of Jefferies and Sol. [/quote] He's in my squad!
Halley's try against Quins showed what we can do if we support the ball carrier. Unfortunately we just don't do it enough! I'd be very tempted to move Halley next to Shontayne and play Tadulala outside Evans or Sykes.
haitch wrote:
You guys don't appear to like Platt and he's not even in your squads. If he can play to anything like the standard of last year he would be a great assett. He did after all get a a call up to the GB training squad. He is being critisised (and rightly so) for his silly passes near his own line and he has to learn, but it may be more about getting used to the new faces. Others have been guilty of grave errors but these are always more noticeable near your own line. Halley is great BTW and there is room for the two of them to play.Platt is a good support player and will show up better feeding off the likes of Jefferies and Sol.
He's in my squad!
Halley's try against Quins showed what we can do if we support the ball carrier. Unfortunately we just don't do it enough! I'd be very tempted to move Halley next to Shontayne and play Tadulala outside Evans or Sykes.
Posted by: haitch, Lincolnshire on 5:13pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Adrian[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]haitch[/bold] wrote: You guys don't appear to like Platt and he's not even in your squads. If he can play to anything like the standard of last year he would be a great assett. He did after all get a a call up to the GB training squad. He is being critisised (and rightly so) for his silly passes near his own line and he has to learn, but it may be more about getting used to the new faces. Others have been guilty of grave errors but these are always more noticeable near your own line. Halley is great BTW and there is room for the two of them to play.Platt is a good support player and will show up better feeding off the likes of Jefferies and Sol. [/quote] He's in my squad! Halley's try against Quins showed what we can do if we support the ball carrier. Unfortunately we just don't do it enough! I'd be very tempted to move Halley next to Shontayne and play Tadulala outside Evans or Sykes.[/quote] I Like it Ade. Halley is a specialist winger (and not a bad F/B either)! There is nothing to stop him coming inside from time to time and creating the same havoc he does from F/B. It's nice to be able to talk of who to leave out though after a rough couple of weeks!
Adrian wrote:
haitch wrote: You guys don't appear to like Platt and he's not even in your squads. If he can play to anything like the standard of last year he would be a great assett. He did after all get a a call up to the GB training squad. He is being critisised (and rightly so) for his silly passes near his own line and he has to learn, but it may be more about getting used to the new faces. Others have been guilty of grave errors but these are always more noticeable near your own line. Halley is great BTW and there is room for the two of them to play.Platt is a good support player and will show up better feeding off the likes of Jefferies and Sol.
He's in my squad! Halley's try against Quins showed what we can do if we support the ball carrier. Unfortunately we just don't do it enough! I'd be very tempted to move Halley next to Shontayne and play Tadulala outside Evans or Sykes.
I Like it Ade. Halley is a specialist winger (and not a bad F/B either)! There is nothing to stop him coming inside from time to time and creating the same havoc he does from F/B. It's nice to be able to talk of who to leave out though after a rough couple of weeks!
Posted by: wibseyrl, Wibsey on 9:04am Fri 28 Mar 08
halley is not a specialist winger haitch. and i know 100% that macca has told him he sees him as a fullback.he is more confident at fullback and i agree outside shontayne he could do some damage but i think he is alot safer than platt who i dont think ha performed since midway in to last season!
halley is not a specialist winger haitch. and i know 100% that macca has told him he sees him as a fullback.he is more confident at fullback and i agree outside shontayne he could do some damage but i think he is alot safer than platt who i dont think ha performed since midway in to last season!
Posted by: haitch, Lincolnshire on 9:44am Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]wibseyrl[/bold] wrote:
halley is not a specialist winger haitch. and i know 100% that macca has told him he sees him as a fullback.he is more confident at fullback and i agree outside shontayne he could do some damage but i think he is alot safer than platt who i dont think ha performed since midway in to last season![/quote] I stand to be corrected on that one wibsyrl. I just always thought he was a winger. The guy has loads of talent and I wouldnt be at all worried about him playin F/B. I always thought he was a bit slight in build for that position but he really played well ther against Leeds. It's whether he can keep it up at fullback that will tell.Platt is far from the finished article and I just wish he was playing under a more experienced coaching staff, where I think he could develope into something special. I like his eye for a gap and his support play.
wibseyrl wrote:
halley is not a specialist winger haitch. and i know 100% that macca has told him he sees him as a fullback.he is more confident at fullback and i agree outside shontayne he could do some damage but i think he is alot safer than platt who i dont think ha performed since midway in to last season!
I stand to be corrected on that one wibsyrl. I just always thought he was a winger. The guy has loads of talent and I wouldnt be at all worried about him playin F/B. I always thought he was a bit slight in build for that position but he really played well ther against Leeds. It's whether he can keep it up at fullback that will tell.Platt is far from the finished article and I just wish he was playing under a more experienced coaching staff, where I think he could develope into something special. I like his eye for a gap and his support play.
Posted by: wibseyrl, Wibsey on 9:55am Fri 28 Mar 08
i feel that platt is scared of been tackled sometimes. when he gets the ball he puts his head down and goes to the floor far too easy. sometimes that is needed for a quick play the ball, but sometimes i just want him to hit the gap like a webb or wellens does. i think if halley gets some confidence he will hit the gaps like he started to do against leeds and harlequins. when he was 16 he was the bulls representative for the super league 100metre race. he finished 3rd behind darren albert and brett dallas i think. so if he gets one break he is gonna take some stopping. by the way once harris has gone and we have some money to buy i reckon we should look at danny brough. great kicking game and is suprisingly fast!
i feel that platt is scared of been tackled sometimes. when he gets the ball he puts his head down and goes to the floor far too easy. sometimes that is needed for a quick play the ball, but sometimes i just want him to hit the gap like a webb or wellens does. i think if halley gets some confidence he will hit the gaps like he started to do against leeds and harlequins. when he was 16 he was the bulls representative for the super league 100metre race. he finished 3rd behind darren albert and brett dallas i think. so if he gets one break he is gonna take some stopping. by the way once harris has gone and we have some money to buy i reckon we should look at danny brough. great kicking game and is suprisingly fast!
Posted by: Rob. Thornbury, Bradford on 9:57am Fri 28 Mar 08
I agree with halley to start at full back against cas with platt on bench, nothin wrong with havin 2 full backs because you can't leave either man out, both are class players and its nice to actually have a selection dilemma with all the injury's we have got!!! and i agree with maccy be wary of cas as they are the dark horses of this years comp , they proved that against leeds!!!! and as much as it pains me to say it as a bulls fan, leeds are playing some brilliant flowing rugby, like saints in 06
I agree with halley to start at full back against cas with platt on bench, nothin wrong with havin 2 full backs because you can't leave either man out, both are class players and its nice to actually have a selection dilemma with all the injury's we have got!!! and i agree with maccy be wary of cas as they are the dark horses of this years comp , they proved that against leeds!!!! and as much as it pains me to say it as a bulls fan, leeds are playing some brilliant flowing rugby, like saints in 06
Posted by: Rob. Thornbury, Bradford on 10:01am Fri 28 Mar 08
My squad would be
1. Halley
2. Evans
3.Sykes
4.Hape
5.Tadulala
6.Jeffries
7.Deacon
8.Feather
9.Godwin
10.Lynch
11.Nero
12.Solomona
13.Burgess
Subs
14.James
15.Platt
16.Finnigan
17.Kopczak
My squad would be
1. Halley
2. Evans
3.Sykes
4.Hape
5.Tadulala
6.Jeffries
7.Deacon
8.Feather
9.Godwin
10.Lynch
11.Nero
12.Solomona
13.Burgess
Subs
14.James
15.Platt
16.Finnigan
17.Kopczak
Posted by: haitch, Lincolnshire on 10:22am Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Rob. Thornbury[/bold] wrote:
I agree with halley to start at full back against cas with platt on bench, nothin wrong with havin 2 full backs because you can't leave either man out, both are class players and its nice to actually have a selection dilemma with all the injury's we have got!!! and i agree with maccy be wary of cas as they are the dark horses of this years comp , they proved that against leeds!!!! and as much as it pains me to say it as a bulls fan, leeds are playing some brilliant flowing rugby, like saints in 06[/quote] Cas were very unlucky to loose to Wolves last week and are an improving outfit not to be taken lightly. I agree about Leeds but they will be well tested at Saints tonight and we will see how 'fast flowing' they are against a good team.
Rob. Thornbury wrote:
I agree with halley to start at full back against cas with platt on bench, nothin wrong with havin 2 full backs because you can't leave either man out, both are class players and its nice to actually have a selection dilemma with all the injury's we have got!!! and i agree with maccy be wary of cas as they are the dark horses of this years comp , they proved that against leeds!!!! and as much as it pains me to say it as a bulls fan, leeds are playing some brilliant flowing rugby, like saints in 06
Cas were very unlucky to loose to Wolves last week and are an improving outfit not to be taken lightly. I agree about Leeds but they will be well tested at Saints tonight and we will see how 'fast flowing' they are against a good team.
Posted by: Rob. Thornbury, Bradford on 10:25am Fri 28 Mar 08
Very true, I hope saints do em, what do ya think to my line up?
and cas were very unlucky, we will need to be on are guard!!!!
Very true, I hope saints do em, what do ya think to my line up?
and cas were very unlucky, we will need to be on are guard!!!!
Posted by: haitch, Lincolnshire on 11:02am Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Rob. Thornbury[/bold] wrote:
Very true, I hope saints do em, what do ya think to my line up? and cas were very unlucky, we will need to be on are guard!!!![/quote] I think your line-up looks ok Rob.. Just maybe Cook for James or Kopjak ?
Rob. Thornbury wrote:
Very true, I hope saints do em, what do ya think to my line up? and cas were very unlucky, we will need to be on are guard!!!!
I think your line-up looks ok Rob.. Just maybe Cook for James or Kopjak ?
Posted by: wibseyrl, Wibsey on 11:04am Fri 28 Mar 08
leeds are playin probably the best they have played for years. but i think they are peaking too early and cant see them carryin on this sort of form all season. still think the bulls will come back just in time for a grand final surge. i think there will only be 3 teams in it with bulls saints and leeds. think wigan wont pick up there form, warrington are always under acheivers and cant see anyone else challenging!
leeds are playin probably the best they have played for years. but i think they are peaking too early and cant see them carryin on this sort of form all season. still think the bulls will come back just in time for a grand final surge. i think there will only be 3 teams in it with bulls saints and leeds. think wigan wont pick up there form, warrington are always under acheivers and cant see anyone else challenging!
Posted by: Rob. Thornbury, Bradford on 11:11am Fri 28 Mar 08
I disagree, we need 2 props on the bench and also cooky aint up2 scratch in my view, needs more academy time. what's the betting that maccys side looks nothin like that come sunday?
I disagree, we need 2 props on the bench and also cooky aint up2 scratch in my view, needs more academy time. what's the betting that maccys side looks nothin like that come sunday?
Posted by: wibseyrl, Wibsey on 11:35am Fri 28 Mar 08
iv got a feelin he wont play halley or if he does itll be on the wing. wasnt macca's speech at the start season sayin who is in form will play? so if he drops halley then he is goin against his word.halley isnt the biggest but as he gets older he will fill out a bit and be 10 tmes better than platt(hopefully).thi
nk shontayne needs to get ra ra money out of his head and start playing. not been at his best this year.
iv got a feelin he wont play halley or if he does itll be on the wing. wasnt macca's speech at the start season sayin who is in form will play? so if he drops halley then he is goin against his word.halley isnt the biggest but as he gets older he will fill out a bit and be 10 tmes better than platt(hopefully).thi
nk shontayne needs to get ra ra money out of his head and start playing. not been at his best this year.
Posted by: LeagueJunkie, Lost on 11:48am Fri 28 Mar 08
Platt shouldn't get the FB spot back, he doesn't deserve it.
He's done naff all for well over 6 months.
Platt shouldn't get the FB spot back, he doesn't deserve it.
He's done naff all for well over 6 months.
Posted by: Rob. Thornbury, Bradford on 11:50am Fri 28 Mar 08
exactly league junkie totally agree, give dave the no 1 shirt
exactly league junkie totally agree, give dave the no 1 shirt
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