Re: Radio Coverage Wire v Widnes UPDATED : Fri Jan 17, 2025 11:46 pm  

Or thane wrote:

Yeah it was a good run out for some of the players and valuable experience for the younger guys. Alfie Johnson seemed to go really well, Russell put a good stint with alot of effort in. No improvement from Musgrove, Leyland just sat back and kicked for most of the game. But this is just listening to the radio, also it's basically a game for the younger guys. First game of pre-season and doesn't really mean much yet.

Pretty much the way I saw it. Harthill looked busy and I felt the same regarding Musgrove he just was not making meters after contact the way Wood was. Just to be clear I am not saying Musgrove was garbage just I expect more from a bloke his size. When I saw the Widnes side come out for warm up I was thinking jeez Musgrove should skittle these.

Re: Radio Coverage Wire v Widnes UPDATED : Sat Jan 18, 2025 9:07 am  

A bit disappointed in the half’s, a couple of nice balls for tries but overall not enough ball distribution for me, defensively a bit weak but as mentioned a good run out for the young lads, I agree that Patton was the best player on the pitch

Re: Radio Coverage Wire v Widnes UPDATED : Sat Jan 18, 2025 10:01 am  

I've had a good look at the first 28 mins of the game. Musgrove only lasted 27/28 mins before being taken off. I particularly watched Musgrove/Wood/Russell though Whitehead got through a lot of early work.
Musgrove took the ball up to the opposition 7 times, Russell 5 and Wood 4. The tougher carries (from KO & close to the ruck) were made by Musgrove. Musgrove lost the ball in a three man tackle once. Russell lost it once. Musgrove also gave a penalty away for delaying the opposition player getting to his feet. Wood stood wider from the play the ball. I think our play lost something from about the 30 minute mark.
Musgrove does seem to frustrate a few (who know a lot about the game) but in those 27 minutes he made quite a contribution.

Re: Radio Coverage Wire v Widnes UPDATED : Sat Jan 18, 2025 11:38 am  

Smiffy27 wrote:

I've had a good look at the first 28 mins of the game. Musgrove only lasted 27/28 mins before being taken off. I particularly watched Musgrove/Wood/Russell though Whitehead got through a lot of early work.
Musgrove took the ball up to the opposition 7 times, Russell 5 and Wood 4. The tougher carries (from KO & close to the ruck) were made by Musgrove. Musgrove lost the ball in a three man tackle once. Russell lost it once. Musgrove also gave a penalty away for delaying the opposition player getting to his feet. Wood stood wider from the play the ball. I think our play lost something from about the 30 minute mark.
Musgrove does seem to frustrate a few (who know a lot about the game) but in those 27 minutes he made quite a contribution.

I watched Musgrove closely last night - did a lot of work in the time he was on the pitch, ran very hard and while he didn't break the line it was taking three men to bring him down. I thought he did pretty well. To be honest I think the Widnes defence deserves a huge amount of credit. Cai Taylor-Wray saw a lot of the ball and was very threatening with ball in hand but they dealt with him more effectively than some SL teams did last season. I don't think he broke the line once.

Ben Harthill was excellent, a really promising option if one of Walker or Powell are injured or rested, strong in defence and good running and distribution.

Re: Radio Coverage Wire v Widnes UPDATED : Sat Jan 18, 2025 12:35 pm  

The reason Widnes dealt with CTW very well is that we are clearly persisting with giving the full back the ball on the 5th every single time. Fine as a tactic but for crying out loud mix it up a bit - it is so easily dealt with as last night proved.

Re: Radio Coverage Wire v Widnes UPDATED : Sat Jan 18, 2025 12:46 pm  

ratticusfinch wrote:

The reason Widnes dealt with CTW very well is that we are clearly persisting with giving the full back the ball on the 5th every single time. Fine as a tactic but for crying out loud mix it up a bit - it is so easily dealt with as last night proved.

To be honest it is pathetic & quite the worst idea the coaching team have had. Both Dufty & CTW will suffer physically for this. I am generally positive about Wire but this one is plain daft. Far too much was asked of CTW last night.
A couple of times a game only.