Good point on Myler. When he joins the line, he gives us something different to Walker, cos he’s a passing threat. However, on the flip side, if Walkers at FB, I don’t think Johnstone scores that first try.
Broadbent did struggle a little in defence but you have to balance that against the fact that he was facing Tupou. Far more experienced players, including Watkins, have looked like complete mugs against him. Will be interesting to see how he gets on with Shenton this week.
"Konrad will be 2 or 3 weeks, Newman will be at least a month, Holroyd will probably be another month. Ash Handley, again he's two weeks into a six-week injury. Apart from Kyle, in the next week or two, we've nobody for 3 or 4 weeks" (Leeds Live)
I have seen Broadbent defend well at junior level, I believe it is mostly a strength issue (but he does have to get his technique better). He will know it’s an area to work on.
He is evasive and most importantly he has good skill and a rugby brain. Intercepts have always been part of his game. I hope he gets a run of a few games before Konnie is ready and then stood down for some time to train.
Myler - exactly as above. I really like him going forward but he does get caught out of position or making the wrong decision at times. He should have nailed Johnstone head on for that first try, Briscoe had the inside man covered. Easier said than done but he did have time.
With a full side back we definitely have some play in us but again this is why we also need some direct players like Mik and Tetevano. IMHO we have been overplaying Oledski for 2 years now and at his age he shouldn’t be carrying the pack.
I’m might be tempted to play Smith at SO and L Sutcliffe back to centre instead of A Sutcliffe (who also had a pretty good game), or put one of the Sutcliffes on the bench. Cam is too good to be playing 30 minute stints.
Did anyone else notice when Donaldson took Fifita by the legs and ruined him in a tackle by the way?
He did as good a job as anyone else we have to put there, we can't shift Myler from that fullback position as he has been outstanding there, Sutcliffe doesn't;t want to play 6, the fans don't want him to play 6 but until Eastmond is ready we don't really have a choice.
Apart form his error from the kick off, he didn't do much wrong.
My gripe is that's the problem, he didnt look to get involved enough to do much wrong, he was anonymous. The least you can do is be a willing carrier of the ball, no to mention his contribution to some slow to react edge defence.
Broadbent missed a couple of tackles yesterday but Tupou is a handful for most but Broadbent usually is a very solid defender.
Ive no concerns at all with his defence. Really good young player.
Feel really sorry for Liam Sutcliffe playing different positions even ones he cant really play osnt fair on him at all. Hopefully Eastmond plays next week.
Myler has found his place at FB. I would not move him into the halves - give him the season at FB. If Sutcliffe is all we have at 6 for a few weeks, I would be tempted to play Smith there. He can’t possibly be any worse. The only position Sutcliffe should play is centre. Mellor is a concern. He isn’t doing enough, and there’s players knocking the door down. I worry that Walters will only stick around so long if he cant get minutes. Rest of the pack were excellent. Broadbent looks a superstar with ball in hand, but needs to work on his defence. He shoots the line and leaves gaps. But he needs help from the sliding defence, because he got exposed. Gale just had a bad day. We really need Handley back and another winger. The way we use the hookers is spot on. Dwyer comes on when there’s tired legs and creates a bit of havoc with his energy. But he can’t pass the ball.
L Sutcliffe think centre cam smith to 6, A Sutcliffe does not deserve dropping so left second row Eastmond on the bench drop Mellor to bench, not doing enough.
Not one for knee jerks and throwing in youngsters but surely someone like Tindall deserves a shot over Tom Briscoe who looks a right cart horse. The equivalent of Mick Burke against Warrington in about 1986 on Granstand
Great to haverugby back and in the end happy to take the 2 points. After all the chat and build up what if anything have we learned. Our pack looks stronger than last year with competition for places. Our backs albeit mising a number of players lack pace and attacking threat. Even when absentees return we still will lack speed. Last years stand outs Myler Öledski and Prior again our best players. Tetevano -need to learn how to use him to best effect. Dwyer - no change 100% effort some brilliant mixed with the headless chicken moments. The Phil Ford of hookers! Question marks against starting 2nd rows arguably bench men stronger and Thompson impressed particularly. Sutcliffe at 6 its all been said! Broadbent - Really promising but lets not get carried away at a very similar stage to Newman last year. Real potential but defence a concern. Wingers - like functional boring cars will do a job but no thrill factor and will get passed easily on a straight road. Gale give him a break been out for 11 weeks and made a few mistakes but still had to take all the responsibility for moving the team around as we have nobody else. My final point would be when are people going to start giving Richie Myler some credit. He is consistently performing to a high standard never ducks anything or complains and while he was poor in the halves that should be taken in the context of the style of the halves as a unit. I would have no issue with him at 6 with Gale at 7. It will be an interesting next couple of games if nobody ready to return.