Re: RD 7 | Hull FC (H) : Mon May 24, 2021 8:23 am  

exiledrhino wrote:

From next week, Hurrell HAS to be dropped or moved to left centre. My preference for the backs, if no one new available would be Myler, Handley, Mellor, Broadbent, T. Briscoe.

I take your point totally but that backline cant possibly be the answer.

Re: RD 7 | Hull FC (H) : Mon May 24, 2021 8:33 am  

Recruitment priorities seem highly lop-sided over the last 12 months or so, and this is continuing to show even now we have a few more bodies back. The backline and halves have been neglected at the expense of the pack IMO, as illustrated by the last minute signing of Eastmond which speaks volumes about the lack of preparedness for this season. Some posters on this messageboard seem obsessed with our pack, as if it is the only thing that matters, but performances this season show we need a balanced team more than anything.

Last night demonstrated the futilty of having a dominant pack and controlling 7 if the rest of the team (tactics included) are not up to scratch. Isn't Sean Long supposed to be in charge of our attack? If so there are major questions over his appointment, especially his judgement (again) in the decision to go for Eastmond. Not sure about the hooking situation anymore but Leeming and Dwyer aren't consistent enough.

It wasn't a game for throwing the ball around. Leeds should have been more patient, taking the 2 when on offer, and playing more direct when in the opposition 20.

I'm not sure whether it is fair to blame individuals in a game like this. No doubt plenty has been said about Hurrell. Hull certainly did a number on him in the first half and we couldn't recover - although Hurrell can't be blamed for the toothlessness in attack close to Hull's try line. Tom Briscoe has had some flak on here recently. While he's solid enough it is disappointing that Leeds aren't showing more ambition in their (re)signings for the backline (and stand-off). Both our centres needed to be better last night.

Re: RD 7 | Hull FC (H) : Mon May 24, 2021 9:07 am  

I do feel sorry for folk on here. Despite our disagreements I do think you are a very passionate, knowledgeable and loyal fanbase. As you know I've stopped watching games as it doesn't give me abything positive back. This has been culmination of last few years really. I'll stay a fan, banter on here, and catch odd snippets on radio. If entertainment comes back I'll start watching again.
I do admire the perseverance and self control of people who continue to watch....!

Re: RD 7 | Hull FC (H) : Mon May 24, 2021 9:12 am  

In fairness to Long, an appointment I didnt agree with, hes got 1 half back and a backline with no speed being provided by 9s who cant pass the ball. That being said getting shape, depth, organisation and options doesnt take strike power just coaching.

Onto next week.....

Re: RD 7 | Hull FC (H) : Mon May 24, 2021 9:20 am  

You wouldnt think Hurrell is playing for a new contract! Deffo could see him being shipped out to wakey or the likes and turning back into his old form though, something needs to give. The pack was an issue from the minute we lost Kylie and Peacock but we seem to have sorted that out but at the cost of our backs as others have said, that being said we cant go out and buy new players because that just goes back into the desperation cycle of stop gaps. Anyone know when Newman is back? could offer us some pace and give competition to certain players in the squad!

Re: RD 7 | Hull FC (H) : Mon May 24, 2021 9:28 am  

Danibo160 wrote:

You wouldnt think Hurrell is playing for a new contract! Deffo could see him being shipped out to wakey or the likes and turning back into his old form though, something needs to give. The pack was an issue from the minute we lost Kylie and Peacock but we seem to have sorted that out but at the cost of our backs as others have said, that being said we cant go out and buy new players because that just goes back into the desperation cycle of stop gaps. Anyone know when Newman is back? could offer us some pace and give competition to certain players in the squad!

I'd actually go with a backline of
Walker
TIndall
Newman
Broadbent
Handley
Gale
New half


For next season. Am sure we could all get behind that.....!

Re: RD 7 | Hull FC (H) : Mon May 24, 2021 9:32 am  

Danibo160 wrote:

You wouldnt think Hurrell is playing for a new contract! Deffo could see him being shipped out to wakey or the likes and turning back into his old form though, something needs to give. The pack was an issue from the minute we lost Kylie and Peacock but we seem to have sorted that out but at the cost of our backs as others have said, that being said we cant go out and buy new players because that just goes back into the desperation cycle of stop gaps. Anyone know when Newman is back? could offer us some pace and give competition to certain players in the squad!

Newman is a couple of weeks away but lets not expect too much from him too soon.

Re: RD 7 | Hull FC (H) : Mon May 24, 2021 9:38 am  

Danibo160 wrote:

You wouldnt think Hurrell is playing for a new contract! Deffo could see him being shipped out to wakey or the likes and turning back into his old form though, something needs to give. The pack was an issue from the minute we lost Kylie and Peacock but we seem to have sorted that out but at the cost of our backs as others have said, that being said we cant go out and buy new players because that just goes back into the desperation cycle of stop gaps. Anyone know when Newman is back? could offer us some pace and give competition to certain players in the squad!

I think Hurrell is actually trying too hard.

Re: RD 7 | Hull FC (H) : Mon May 24, 2021 10:04 am  

Marty Grrrrrrrrrr! wrote:

I take your point totally but that backline cant possibly be the answer.

Maybe it's a bit reactionary...

My thought process is that while we only scored 2 tries last night, we let in 3 through Hurrell, the rest of our D was actually really good. Perhaps that backline would be more steady in defense, although may not offer anything extra in attack.

Re: RD 7 | Hull FC (H) : Mon May 24, 2021 10:05 am  

ArthurClues wrote:

I think Hurrell is actually trying too hard.

The writing was on the wall when he could be seen gazing dreamy eyed at the supporters in the southstand while mouthing along to marching on. Lovely bloke and passionate no doubt but his shortcomings far outweigh his strengths, especially in a team thats vulnerable and also cant utilise those strengths to their fullest.