St pete wrote:
Just hope the was no injuries.
James Graham. He looked pretty bad when he went down. I think he was limping when we picked up the cup but I can't be totally certain. We really don't need him to be injured at any time during the season, especially since we don't have Perry in action yet.
I enjoyed the match, especially the first half. I think the gap is partly in the ability/experience in the squad and partly the changes on the field. In the first half we fielded a really strong team, whereas I think Widnes fielded a slightly weaker one, either that or we simply mullered them! In the second half we fielded some of our 'second string' players and the difference was obvious. However, there were also a lot more changes in the second half. Both Meli and Gardner played fullback, for instance, whereas in the first half only Foster played fullback. It's a friendly, it's the first time Simmons has had chance to see his team play in the flesh, and there were some impressive performances out there.
Defence needs more work but again, some of that could have been the change to the structure and the fact that it was their first hit out. Some fantastic attack moves and a lot more free-flowing than we have been used to recently. (Hopefully we will build on that!) I was especially impressed with LMS, Leon, Jammer, Roby, Gardner (like a new player!) and John Wilkin, who looked trimmer, more confident and more creative than in recent years. Shenton went very well too and it was so good to see Wheeler - he has such a good side step, more pace than when I last saw him play and strength too. They all looked slimmer, fitter and sharper. Their passing was faster as was their speed at the PTB.
However, next week will be a better indicator as it's SL opposition. But for a first run out with a new look team I was encouraged. A few of them need to sharpen up in defence and maybe Meli thought we wouldn't recognise him by shaving his head but I knew it was him the minute the first bomb was dropped ...
