Re: Defence : Fri Jun 03, 2016 9:11 pm  

Twentyman wrote:

2016 23
2015 26
2014 29
2013 25
2012 29
2011 29
2010 35
2009 27
2008 35
2007 29
2006 33
2005 37
2004 29
2003 30
2002 33
2001 33
2000 35
1999 34
1998 29
1997 27
1996 43

Slight adjustment needed.

Worst Saints side I've ever seen. I've been watching them since the Alex Murphy days.

Re: Defence....and attack : Sun Jun 05, 2016 11:50 am  

I watched clapped-out old Saints has-been Soliola playing for the Raiders the other day, and he had a pretty fine game in both attack and defence, as he has most times I've watched them lately.

That sort of thing reminds me of Bayern Munich snapping up rejects like Xavi Alonso and Robben when English Premiership clubs didn't seem interested...

Re: Defence....and attack : Sun Jun 05, 2016 1:00 pm  

moto748 wrote:

I watched clapped-out old Saints has-been Soliola playing for the Raiders the other day, and he had a pretty fine game in both attack and defence, as he has most times I've watched them lately.

That sort of thing reminds me of Bayern Munich snapping up rejects like Xavi Alonso and Robben when English Premiership clubs didn't seem interested...

How I'd love him back at the club. Apart from injuries, he was brilliant for us. Vea looked like he was doing well as a replacement but he's making some shocking Turneresque tackle attempts lately.

Re: Defence....and attack : Sun Jun 05, 2016 1:37 pm  

moto748 wrote:

I watched clapped-out old Saints has-been Soliola playing for the Raiders the other day, and he had a pretty fine game in both attack and defence, as he has most times I've watched them lately.

That sort of thing reminds me of Bayern Munich snapping up rejects like Xavi Alonso and Robben when English Premiership clubs didn't seem interested...

What are you on about? Soliola left because he wanted to go back to Australia.

Re: Defence....and attack : Sun Jun 05, 2016 3:35 pm  

SecondRowSaint wrote:

What are you on about? Soliola left because he wanted to go back to Australia.

He went home as his dad was poorly

Re: Defence....and attack : Sun Jun 05, 2016 3:52 pm  

The fact that we have failed to compete in several games this season when this was a hallmark of Cunningham's first year is a concern. Our league position is problematic and yet I don't think it's beyond the team to put together a run of four or five wins.

Sad to say but very little of what has happened this year will matter a great deal if we tighten things up and press the accelerator. And a run of good form going into the playoffs will certainly stand us in good stead.

It's easy to write the team off but I've not seen anyone so far this season we can't turn over given a fair rub of the green.

Which means it's up to the players and coach now.

Re: Defence....and attack : Sun Jun 05, 2016 4:52 pm  

Mugwump wrote:

I don't think it's beyond the team to put together a run of four or five wins.

WLWWWLLWLWLWWLWLLL

Maybe it wasn't in 2015, but no way is it happening this year.

Re: Defence....and attack : Sun Jun 05, 2016 6:13 pm  

Mugwump wrote:

The fact that we have failed to compete in several games this season when this was a hallmark of Cunningham's first year is a concern. Our league position is problematic and yet I don't think it's beyond the team to put together a run of four or five wins.

I reckon it would be more accurate thats its not beyond the team to put together a run of 4 or 5 losses, with Walsh out for a few weeks its going to be a big ask for Wilkin to marshall the side.

Re: Defence....and attack : Sun Jun 05, 2016 9:00 pm  

We will win two of our last league games

Re: Defence....and attack : Mon Jun 06, 2016 11:56 am  

I've always thought that the side could turn it around, but for every step forwards we always seem to be able to take 2 back.
Only a few weeks ago we were 2 points away from top and able to actually go joint top. Then we capitulated to Huddersfield.
There was no reason we should have done so.

But of all the games I've seen this season for a portion of the game Saints have seemed to be managing well. We will defend high up the field and territory wise look well in control. Then as soon as we give away a penalty or drop the ball that tight defence just falls apart. It's as though one call is enough to scupper any confidence that they once had.
I would not say we were a good side, but at the start of the season I thought we looked like an average side that could punch above it's weight. But as the season has gone on that averageness has been found out.

I don't think it's a lack of effort by anyone, but a lack of skill and ability. If you keep winning then that lack of skill and ability will be masked by enthusiasm and energy. But once we have been found out we are now just playing like any other average side. And when those average sides loose their best players time and time again, those average sides struggle.

We've seen it from other sides in previous seasons. Hull KR or Wakey say will have a flying start to the season and pull off a few shocks, but as the season progresses and the better sides gear up towards the end of the season and the injuries hit, the surprises become less and less and the season peaters out.

This year top 4 would be an over achievement!