I cant think of anything he contributed towards its not as though he had a great kick return or set anything up with ball in hand.



His popularity amongst fans influnces their opinion on him as proved by the way people try to shoe horn him into their starting 13's.



Next season i cant see a place for him in our 17.

Actually, I thought he had a solid game. danny orr has one of the best short kicking games in SL and whiting never once looked troubled. Probably the fact that my heart was never in my mouth when the opposition put a kick in speaks volumes for how he played. He reads the game exceptionally well and looks well suited to any position he's played in. I can't really remember a player in my 30 years of watching the club who was so competent in such a range of positions

Well said. A top utility player who will play a lot of games during a season even if he isn't in any fan's starting 17.

Try saving tackle?

Probably the most astute comment you have ever made (imo). Excellent squad player, great guy but not a first 17 man.

Most would agree, its been said to death over the last year or so that he's a victim of his own utility and actually he isnt better than any of our players in any one position. He will get a run next season though because we WILL get injuries.

Exactly right.



Rich may not be first choice in any position if everyone is fit but the last few seasons tells us the scenario is extremely rare. We will unfortunately have injuries so players like Whiting in the squad are vital.

Finally



I've been saying that for three years, he's the epitomy of average.

I said this last week on the MOM thread for Cats game. Somebody quoted he was clearly MOM in Beziers and for me like Friday he was the usual Richard Whiting, he gave 100% and was very commited and safe but did nothing spectacular. He's a useful squad player because he can cover so many positions but that's it for me.

I think it's pretty certain that we'll start next season with Long and Horne as the halves, Washy 13 and Tansey FB. What happens after that will depend on Horne's performances, which will have to be a great deal better than this season to keep his place. The great thing is that we will have options if he can't regain his form.



I'm as big a fan of Rich Horne as you're likely to find, but he has to keep his place in the side based on performances and not sentiment or past achievements.