Re: Widnes PreSeason Friendly : Fri Jan 26, 2024 10:00 pm  

Really pleased how the kids did.

Really hope some of them are given a decent opportunity in the 1st team in the coming seasons.

Re: Widnes PreSeason Friendly : Fri Jan 26, 2024 10:32 pm  

How did the revitalised Dudson go?

Re: Widnes PreSeason Friendly : Fri Jan 26, 2024 10:47 pm  

http://zeta.ecommzone.com/lz/wwrl3/103P ... 26g4id%3d3

http://zeta.ecommzone.com/lz/wwrl3/103P ... 26g4id%3d3

Re: Widnes PreSeason Friendly : Sat Jan 27, 2024 7:58 am  

Wires71 wrote:

How did the revitalised Dudson go?

Did nearly 30 minutes before being subbed, I’d class his performance as ‘okay’. Thomas, Wood and Raughter were very good though with some impressively fearless drives. Luke Thomas really looks to have stepped up a couple of levels from last year.

Re: Widnes PreSeason Friendly : Sat Jan 27, 2024 9:06 am  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBEGPAAuqkw Full game with commentary.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBEGPAAuqkw Full game with commentary.

Re: Widnes PreSeason Friendly : Sat Jan 27, 2024 12:35 pm  

Watched a bit of a the second half last night and one thing that did stand out for me was when one of the forwards were taking a carry up the middle they were not on their own. There were plenty of players pushing up in support.
It certainly looked to take a bit of heat from the defence off the ball carrier as they had to cover a little tip on pass if it was on. Resulting in extra metres after contact and a quick PTB.
Noticed a few comments about "playing through the middle" from recent interviews so maybe that is where we are headed.
If that is the case it is good to see a definite stamp on the team. I did struggle to see identify what style of play (apart from the obvious answer) that we had under Powell. Williams, Walker and Dufty might have a field day supporting through the middle of it pays off.

Re: Widnes PreSeason Friendly : Sat Jan 27, 2024 12:55 pm  

Reading Gleeson's comments after the match it would seem that the decision to go 'up the middle' was somewhat forced upon them due to the late withdrawal of Ratchford, Thewlis Snr and, to a lesser extent, Tai. The young forwards did run hard though, which is encouraging.

Re: Widnes PreSeason Friendly : Sat Jan 27, 2024 1:17 pm  

40 points conceded at home to Widnes, what a shocker, doesn’t bode well.
But a big shout out to Gil (Giles, Gilbert, William?) Dudson for leading the team and putting himself in contention for first team Captain and Vice Captain roles
Well done

Re: Widnes PreSeason Friendly : Sat Jan 27, 2024 2:26 pm  

karetaker wrote:

Max Wood was the stand out player for me.

Well if his rugby career doesn't take off, he's got a great name for the adult industry!

Re: Widnes PreSeason Friendly : Sat Jan 27, 2024 2:37 pm  

It was great to see what can happen when there are plenty of runners on each play. Dwyer was all over it (credit where it's due) and he had so many options in that first half. Something that's been lacking in the first team (for whatever reason - intentional or not).

I presume MRS MOP is just the usual reincarnation of that RLFans troll. This was the first run out for the youngsters (yes I know Dwyer doesn't count) and it was an older Widnes squad of majority first-seamers who had a run out last week.

I'm giving them a pat on the back. That last try was sublime.