before everyone writes Crookes off, I think we should remember his performance against pat Richards when we beat Wigan at the start of the season. he managed to contain, at the time, the best winger in the super league.

Not sure why you're so down on the kid to be honest. I guess he will still be just about 18 by now, so of course he won't be in front of Elima, Langers or Whitehead, maybe others, no one seriously would expect someone of that age to be. He would hardly be playing full games too often anyway, because of his age, and the club wanting to bring youngsters into the side gradually. You're spot on with one thing though, no one knows for certain how he will finish up, but going on what I've seen so far - not many 17 year olds hack it in the pack - then it's looking good as far as I can see.

He wasn't going out with you sister and then dumped her was he.......

Half the players that are being discussed wouldn't have had experience and gametime that they've had in any other SL team.

That isn't because of of a lack of potential or quality - especially taking into account that most forwards improve with age. It's because most other teams had enough depth in their squad to avoid playing the youngsters unless there was a dire injury crisis.

Unless these players are exceptional that should be doing most of their playing and developing in the under 21's. That is what it's there for.

I can't remember whether it was on here or on Boots and All where there was a discussion about the fact that most of the players who come into SL and are classed as young players are actually 21+... It may even have been at the fans forum for that matter... These kids who are 17, 18 and 19 aren't the finished product. How many players have been judged and release but then gone on to great things once they'd had time to mature?

maybe michael was the fan donno mentioned, on the 'superleagues super men' thing with carney, who was talking to him on facebook and got upset when donno wouldnt pick him up and give him a lift to game?

I'm not down on him, dude. I just cant see what the fuss is about, like I couldnt with Joe Westerman either.
He's been in and around the first team for almost 2 years, he should be starting to have an influence on games in some way or another, which he wasnt before his injury. Oh please, not many 17 year olds can hack it in the pack, practically every player that comes into Super League is that age give and take a year each way, and yes, that does include forwards.

Anyway, we'll see. Cant see him playing much next season though TBQH.

Should I lie and pretend I think he's ace?

No mate, no need to pretend. We all have our opinions, and only time will tell.