Missing Newman's ability to beat players one on one but a lot of our players are missing Hurrell's sheer precense. Gale is missing him as both a crash ball option and a bluff, the second rowers are missing his huge contribution to meterage, and Briscoe looks so so average without him.
Good post, i think we look exactly where we are, a bit under prepared, playing with one halfback whose 70% fit and had no pre season and decimated back line, im still confident we can make a good go of this season
The dust has settled now, we’re not in as bad a shap as some think. 9 injured (mostly key) players and we still held on. I wish Oli Holmes was in our back row, always puts a shift in, and not just against us. I think Mellor lacks that bit of aggression if he could get that he’d be much better. I think Martin’s mind is either already on the plane home or worried about a new contract. Broardbent is growing by the game! Alex Sutcliffe also, he’s solid without been flash. I can see him playing in the back row soon with Ablett’s old role. We need a half alongside Gale to function fully. The big lads are going well, but will need some support as it will take its toll if used for big minutes every week.
Thought Corey Hall bounced back well in the second half, settled down and done ok, his first half hour was as bad as it gets defesivley, to put things into perspective, he's 1 month too old from being in Coby Nichol and Andrew Stewarts age group, really young and shed loads of development in him yet. He'l be better for the experience and was good to see his head didnt drop.
Tom Briscoe, my god, he's made some silly decisions in the 2 games, as our only 'First choice' three quarter available, id hope for better, Lukes probably a better bet at this stage.
Hate this new ball steal rule, its horrible, offers nothing but negatives, players arnt focusing on yards after contact or promoting the ball because theyr too busy focusing on not getting it took off them, absolutely hate it.
While il always be gutted with a loss, whatever the circumstances, i think the lads have done well to be so competitive yesterday, our pack looks strong and Broadbents showing what many of us have thought for years, he's going to be a good one.
In terms of squad, I agree we're not in that bad a shape. Of more concern is the length of time it's likely to be before our absentees return. In the meantime we need to find a way. Slowing the ptb is an unattractive but necessary evil right now and it's not something we're doing especially well. Martin, Mellor and others need to turn or roll players more. Not simply about tackles made, how those tackles are made is also important right now until scoring becomes less of a struggle
“At last, a real, Tory budget,” Daily Mail 24/9/22 "It may be that the honourable gentleman doesn't like mixing with his own side … but we on this side have a more convivial, fraternal spirit." Jacob Rees-Mogg 21/10/21
A member of the Guardian-reading, tofu-eating wokerati.
Just on Jon Wilkin, I think he speaks well and is clearly confident in front of a camera, however I don’t think he can mention Leeds without having subtle digs here and there, mind you probably don’t blame him how many GFs did he lose against Leeds?
John Wells is director of rugby at cas , hes bound to be a bit biased, he can’t say they’re crap, that means he’s doing a crap job.
if you can't comfortably where 2 hat only put one on