Friendly #2 - Featherstone : Sat Jan 06, 2024 5:17 pm  

https://www.bradfordbulls.co.uk/article ... -fev-clash https://twitter.com/FevRoversRLFC/statu ... 6628965827 The 2 squads. I didn’t realise how thin the Fev squad is at the moment, padded out with several trialists and loanees. Anyway. Same again, start with a strong lineup then start swapping in all the fringe players to give them minutes. Again, result doesn’t matter although I’ll take it if it happens as PO road has not been a happy hunting ground.

https://www.bradfordbulls.co.uk/article ... -fev-clash https://twitter.com/FevRoversRLFC/statu ... 6628965827 The 2 squads. I didn’t realise how thin the Fev squad is at the moment, padded out with several trialists and loanees. Anyway. Same again, start with a strong lineup then start swapping in all the fringe players to give them minutes. Again, result doesn’t matter although I’ll take it if it happens as PO road has not been a happy hunting ground.

Re: Friendly #2 - Featherstone : Sun Jan 07, 2024 4:53 pm  

2 games 2 sin bins is discipline a tad concerning?

Re: Friendly #2 - Featherstone : Sun Jan 07, 2024 6:01 pm  

Another close one. How did Billy Jowitt go at FB, are we going to be need a fullback or gamble on McGowan being with us for the year?

Need to cut out the sin bins once the real action begins.

Re: Friendly #2 - Featherstone : Sun Jan 07, 2024 6:42 pm  

Billy Jowitt isn't upto it imho.

Re: Friendly #2 - Featherstone : Sun Jan 07, 2024 9:57 pm  

Game went as expected. We looked good to start then as we started the continuous rolling on of academy/reserve fringe players we lost cohesion.

Re: Friendly #2 - Featherstone : Sun Jan 07, 2024 10:03 pm  

I think FB and a LF are crucial positions we lack quality and cover in. FB more than ever nowadays is a position where you need real quality, there a link player, coming into the line to finish and set up tries. Need a burst of pace, good hands, and to read plays in attack and in defence. LF as well I know Dan Smith is likely to play there but beyond that not much. Again a good ball playing 13 who can tough it out as well in the middle is key. I think we generally lack pace and natural athleticism throughout the squad as well.
As dissapointing as the result was pre season games are all about getting the minutes in the legs. What was more dissapointing the score line or the performance? Fev definitely had a mix of quality, experience but had 4/5 trialists and some youngsters. I know we had a lot also but still expected us to.have a bit to much for them today.

Re: Friendly #2 - Featherstone : Sun Jan 07, 2024 11:09 pm  

The lack of pace is a fair comment, we seem to have gone for size in our back line which probably suits our style of play at Odsal. I don’t know enough about McGowan to judge whether he can fill the massive gap that Holmes will leave whilst he is fighting his illness. Not sure what, if any is left in the pot but it seems like we might be a player or two short of troubling Toulouse or Wakefield as things stand.

Still early days and I’m sure players will become available, but clearly there are still a few gaps in the squad to think about.

[Bullseye]

Re: Friendly #2 - Featherstone : Mon Jan 08, 2024 11:00 am  

Can't really argue with that analysis. Losing Holmes is a blow but we've not seen enough of McGowan yet to make a judgement. Jowitt will play a bit of fullback too.

As for the wingers I think having some size there certainly helps and it's preferable to a speedster who can't win a collision or who gets out jumped.

Re: Friendly #2 - Featherstone : Mon Jan 08, 2024 11:25 am  

Bullseye wrote:

As for the wingers I think having some size there certainly helps and it's preferable to a speedster who can't win a collision or who gets out jumped.

Ssssigh! Brings back fond memories of the Volcano in his pomp! A combination of Size & Speed!

Re: Friendly #2 - Featherstone : Mon Jan 08, 2024 7:07 pm  

Bullseye wrote:

Can't really argue with that analysis. Losing Holmes is a blow but we've not seen enough of McGowan yet to make a judgement. Jowitt will play a bit of fullback too.

As for the wingers I think having some size there certainly helps and it's preferable to a speedster who can't win a collision or who gets out jumped.

It just feels like a big gamble to go with a loan player in such a pivotal position as FB. Obviously nobody could foresee the devastating news re Holmes but I'd be surprised if the club aren't looking at options. We do suddenly look vulnerable if we get an injury to Gaskell or Lilley.