Why does Smith not give Dec patton a chance we are struggling to break sides down so what would we lose in giving him a chance his kicking game has got to be better than what we got

He should start either Monday or next Saturday for sure. Give him a chance!

I am sure the coaching staff will know better than a terrace dweller if the player is ready for such responsibility.

To be honest, exposing a youngster like Patton in the present circumstances could wreck his career before its even started.

Its not like he has a senior half back partner to help him along on the pitch - I'm not a huge fan of O'Brien, in my opinion he is very ordinary and will never make a top class half back, but he's been hung out to dry since Briers's retirement, simply because he's having to learn his trade whilst being partnered with 3 different half backs, all of whom couldn't make a good half back between them.

Throwing Patton into the side now would just give us another O'Brien situation, where the fans expect miracles and actually get standard, run-of-the-mill fare and, ultimately, more terrace frustration.

If we are to give the lad a chance this season, then I'd suggest the Challenge Cup will be the ideal occasion to ease him into the senior set up.... Lower expectations, less pressure, not as a high a pedestal to fall from?

Exactly. I totally agree.

I'm with mark_m and Dita's on this a Sensible opinion, When the team recovers its form and if Patton is performing well he will get his chance.

I said to give Dec a chance he looks a real good player his kicking game is 100% better than what we had, looks like he and myler work well together.

Well done.

To be fair this was a very good shout.

Patton seems to have learnt a lot in a week.
Not sure if Leeds threw as much at him as Wigan did and whether that was due to the pack playing so well, but he didn't seem to be found wanting in defence.
I really like his kicking game and although there will be cock ups along the way I think he's got the makings of a very good player if he keeps on working at his game.

Because the best defence is attack.
We wasn't asked half as many questions by Leeds than Wigan because we forced Leeds in to defence.