If it wasn't for the WCC this Sunday I wouldn't feel half as bad as where the team is at.
We've lost three very influential players, one of which is arguably the greatest ever captain we've had. We had a mixed up preseason because of the flooding. We started the season without JJB, Falloon and Ward who would definitely be in our 17. Added to that Mullally who offers cover in the forwards with super league experience.
First game of the season we give Warrington, who are one of the comps best sides, a real good game. Dominating territory for a lot of the match and if we had a goal kicker would certainly have gained at least 1 point.
After a preseason of training with our new half back pairing of Sutcliffe and McGuire. (One who'd not played a game in 7 months) picks up a calf strain but has to play on because his partner and new captain go off injured after twenty minutes!
To add to all that losing Briscoe, Ablett and the young Golding I really don't feel we can judge so harshly the start of our season.
Like I said at the start, if we didn't have the WCC on Sunday I really wouldn't be so worried, it's just cos we have a big game on Sunday. People say it's just a glorified friendly, but I'm sure to players won't see it like that. I certainly don't. All I want is for the lads to do us proud. If we get hammered it looks bad for us and for super league.
Of the grand final 17 I reckon only around 10 will play on Sunday.