Re: Wigan v Sts discussion : Tue Sep 13, 2022 9:20 pm  

FWIW (and I’m not saying they can’t win on Saturday and the GF thereafter) but I found Woolf in his pre-match press conference on social media very unsure. Usually he is very straight talking, assured and matter of fact. He looked confused himself regarding the injuries and the game itself ahead. I think the game deserves a Sts v Wigan final as the previous meetings this year have been a level above any other game IMO, but I just have a feeling Saints are vulnerable and Salford might just do it.

On the other hand, Rohan Smith looked assured but I think it may be a game just too far for Leeds. Can’t wait for this weekend!

Re: Wigan v Sts discussion : Wed Sep 14, 2022 6:29 am  

As a Hull fan, who has no bias, I think and have done all season, that Wigan will be crowned champions, regardless of who else makes the final. Under Peet, you look different to the previous Wigan teams, he's instilled that Wigan class into this team and the feeling, for me , is like that of the Wigan of old. Professional, reactive and everyone on the same page. Salford have done brilliantly well, even if they get hammered against Saints, which I don't think will happen, but Saints will overcome them, Croft's expected absence will be the difference in my opinion and then they'll probably face Wigan in the GF- and what a game that will be. I think some of your players, like say Smithies, Havard and Smith have improved and are now at a much higher level which is down to Peet and his team and your genuine pace in the back line, with a hard edged pack of hungry young and experienced olayers, makes you top dogs for me.

Re: Wigan v Sts discussion : Wed Sep 14, 2022 12:33 pm  

NickyKiss wrote:

What I want to know is what has happened to St Helens ‘best in class’ medical and conditioning department?! I was told early this season that a lack of injuries between the Holbrook and Woolf years wasn’t down to luck, it was down to them doing things better than other clubs.

Some Saints fans want to build these 3 confirmed absences in to a situation where if they win the Grand Final it’ll be billed as the best achievement in the history of Rugby League but in truth I still have them as favourites and they should be able to cope with 3 injuries. The pack is still class, Dodd is a young kid they’ve coped without all season and Bennison isn’t much of a downgrade on Grace.

Some saints fans do seem weirdly obsessed with the conditioning aspect. I remember in 2014 when we had a million guys out, they were all banging on about how it’s our strength and conditioning etc, lightyears behind Wigan Leeds and Warrington who don’t suffer anywhere near as many injuries as we do. We are doing something wrong! Last couple of years we have had the best strength and conditioning and the players are all in peak superhuman condition which is why they’re not getting injured. Now there’s a problem again!

It’s almost like injuries are down to luck. Though tbh I wouldn’t be surprised if 3 straight years of playing at our defensive intensity has finally started to take its toll. Lot of hamstring injuries that’s for sure

Re: Wigan v Sts discussion : Wed Sep 14, 2022 2:22 pm  

Egg Chasing wrote:

Pretty much nailed it.

They love the "never write the Saints off" crap that Eddie came out with don't they? They're the only side to ever win against the odds or to ever come from behind and steal a win (the playoff win not being as good a comeback as ours against Bradford a few weeks earlier BTW) when it happens.

Was talking with a friend the other day about the last few years. If we had won the two COVID season titles, do you think we'd be given the same credit or would there be **** everywhere?

It was Chris Joynt who came up with that and of course you would have been given as much credit if you had champions the last two probably more in fact

Re: Wigan v Sts discussion : Wed Sep 14, 2022 4:32 pm  

thesaint62 wrote:

It was Chris Joynt who came up with that and of course you would have been given as much credit if you had champions the last two probably more in fact

It was Joynt you're right. He said it the once though.

Re: Wigan v Sts discussion : Thu Sep 15, 2022 11:52 am  

Am I right in say Saints have only 4 players out injured ?

Re: Wigan v Sts discussion : Thu Sep 15, 2022 11:59 am  

NSW wrote:

Am I right in say Saints have only 4 players out injured ?

Yes but they're the sooperdooperist players in the league whilst everyone else's missing players can easily be replaced from the squads

Re: Wigan v Sts discussion : Thu Sep 15, 2022 12:07 pm  

Saints squad for Salford includes
1 2 4 6 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 + 23(Hurrell) who's barely missed out all season
The unfairness of it all......

Re: Wigan v Sts discussion : Thu Sep 15, 2022 12:18 pm  

apollosghost wrote:

Saints squad for Salford includes
1 2 4 6 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 + 23(Hurrell) who's barely missed out all season
The unfairness of it all......

Yep, strongest squad we've named in a long time. Percy and Sione both back is huge for us in the backs which is where most of our issues have been recently.

Re: Wigan v Sts discussion : Thu Sep 15, 2022 12:19 pm  

I just hope both sides get through to the final because it would be a cracking advert for the game. However, very tough tasks ahead for both teams this week.