Re: RD 3 | Catalan Dragons (H) : Wed Feb 28, 2024 9:31 am  

fanstanningley wrote:

Thats is what i would go with if available.Give Smith a spell on the bench then bring him on a loose.I would have done this also against Hkr .

The only other potential switch might be Jack Smith to the wing, but Roberts is much more physically mature, even if Smith is (IMO) the better player/prospect.

I think Bentley and Goudemand coming off the bench gives you lots of energy. Goudemand is a really useful player.

I don't think RS got the selection right against HKR. It wasn't the right game for Donno, and not the right game to play Bentley, Donno and O'Connor together in the pack. In those conditions mass counts I'm afraid; on a dry track mobility can work better but even so, we are way too lightweight with those three playing together. Also Goudemand isn't massive, and Martin isn't the most direct back rower I've ever seen.

Re: RD 3 | Catalan Dragons (H) : Wed Feb 28, 2024 9:32 am  

Backwoodsman wrote:

I’m guessing the main variable is keeping a full team on the pitch.

Yes, HKR scored 16 points as a direct result of yellow cards and during periods when Leeds were down to 12 men. Leeds scored 6 when they were down to 12. Cut this out and it's a different game for us.

Re: RD 3 | Catalan Dragons (H) : Wed Feb 28, 2024 9:55 am  

KaeruJim wrote:

The only other potential switch might be Jack Smith to the wing, but Roberts is much more physically mature, even if Smith is (IMO) the better player/prospect.

I think Bentley and Goudemand coming off the bench gives you lots of energy. Goudemand is a really useful player.

I don't think RS got the selection right against HKR. It wasn't the right game for Donno, and not the right game to play Bentley, Donno and O'Connor together in the pack. In those conditions mass counts I'm afraid; on a dry track mobility can work better but even so, we are way too lightweight with those three playing together. Also Goudemand isn't massive, and Martin isn't the most direct back rower I've ever seen.

Agree with all that.

Re: RD 3 | Catalan Dragons (H) : Wed Feb 28, 2024 10:31 am  

Trebor1 wrote:

Big game this one, if we don't win we could easily be played 5 lost 4 with Leigh away and Saints home to come next.. and end up adrift with pressure mounting... if we had a near full strength team out at Leigh i'd fancy us but that won't be the case, fingers crossed we can scrape a win.

Were likely to just have Lisine and Fusitua missing against saints and Leigh, it’s not that far off full strength.

Ipape missing for Leigh is huge for them also

Re: RD 3 | Catalan Dragons (H) : Wed Feb 28, 2024 10:38 am  

Exeter Rhino wrote:

Yes, HKR scored 16 points as a direct result of yellow cards and during periods when Leeds were down to 12 men. Leeds scored 6 when they were down to 12. Cut this out and it's a different game for us.

We were actually pretty good in that first half it was simply the discipline with those two yellows that upset our rhythm.

We need to try be squeaky clean in the next few games.

Re: RD 3 | Catalan Dragons (H) : Wed Feb 28, 2024 10:52 am  

christopher wrote:

Were likely to just have Lisine and Fusitua missing against saints and Leigh, it’s not that far off full strength.

Ipape missing for Leigh is huge for them also

I do worry about the nature of Oledski's injury. Same shoulder as before. Rohan’s been really vague on when he might be back. Would not be surprised to hear he's having an operation and is out for 8 weeks. Just hoping my paranoia is groundless and he's back and playing well either this week or next.

Re: RD 3 | Catalan Dragons (H) : Wed Feb 28, 2024 11:03 am  

christopher wrote:

Were likely to just have Lisine and Fusitua missing against saints and Leigh, it’s not that far off full strength.

Ipape missing for Leigh is huge for them also

Yes forgot about that, it is a blow for Leigh. As Arthur C says, I'm concerned about Oledski will be missing too..

Re: RD 3 | Catalan Dragons (H) : Wed Feb 28, 2024 11:14 am  

I expect the Catalans pack will be too much for us. Even if we had everyone fit and available it would be a big stretch but our front row is decimated and with the weather (and pitches) how they are at this point in the year I’m struggling to see how we can compensate the lack of grunt.

If we are within 2 scores at the end I would be quite surprised. Hope I’m wrong.

Re: RD 3 | Catalan Dragons (H) : Wed Feb 28, 2024 11:35 am  

batleyrhino wrote:

I expect the Catalans pack will be too much for us. Even if we had everyone fit and available it would be a big stretch but our front row is decimated and with the weather (and pitches) how they are at this point in the year I’m struggling to see how we can compensate the lack of grunt.

If we are within 2 scores at the end I would be quite surprised. Hope I’m wrong.

There's also a total mismatch in Roberts v Johnstone on the wing, especially when you factor in Abdull's kicking. Really going to have to start well and get the crowd behind them.

Re: RD 3 | Catalan Dragons (H) : Wed Feb 28, 2024 11:48 am  

christopher wrote:

Were likely to just have Lisine and Fusitua missing against saints and Leigh, it’s not that far off full strength.

Ipape missing for Leigh is huge for them also

Way too much water to pass under the bridge before that game to predict absentees!
We've got injuries, suspensions and the obligatory late pull outs to factor in yet.
Coupled with not really believing what Smith says in his pressers regarding progress on injuries.
No way will we only have Lisone and Fusitua missing.