Teams Up for the Fish - Ali Starts

[Shugs]

Yes, I wouldn’t mind seeing Mehson given a shot. For me Hougaard just lacks the pace to be a potent threat. Opposition wingers can allow him possession and easily still hunt him down.

[Mellie]

I've noticed Hougaard coming infield to attempt a tackle to snuff out a threatening run out of defence by the opposition, usually from their 22. Even when the pass gets shipped and he is not directly challging the widest man he mostly still manages to get back to make the cover tackle. For me that is good defence, putting pressure on the attack, not being out of position. Necessary because the other backs haven't excerpted the pressure required.

The last time Ali Crossdale played Hougaard made all of the tackles Ali missed and was man of the match.

Paulo is brilliant when on form, but currently he isn't. Otherwise he'd be starting.