As someone on another thread has said, here we are again with Wakefield at home being a huge game which could shape our season. A good win, and we can get some confidence back ahead of a tough Easter schedule, but lose and we could really struggle.
Like him or loath him, I think we are really missing Yeamans defence on the left edge. As 'creative' as Carlos and Fetuli were in the first two games, their defensive frailties have been shown up big time. Abdull was non-existent last night, along with Sneyd. Maybe its time we give Carlos a shot at 6? We've got nothing to lose IMO. I really wanted to keep Carlos in the centres, but after a great start to the year, he's done very little.
The team I'd go with is as followed:
Shaul Fonua (if not fit then Lancaster) Logan Yeaman Tala (if not fit then Naughton) Carlos Sneyd Taylor Houghton (if not fit then ? Washy?) Bowden Ellis Mini Thompson
Frank Manu Washy (or Litten) Green
The backs arent great, but I don't know what the others options are... Trying to keep positive, but slowly (yet again) its starting to drain...
I'd get Yeaman and Stilts back and in the centres. Need to plug the hole in defence quickly. Sort the defenbce out and then worry about scoring tries again. Yes these two are past it and slow but far beeter than either centre we have been using of late.
Wakefield are awful, we were abject when we played them and still should have won, we scored more tries and lacked so much effort it was unreal. All that was needed was simple one up rugby to beat them and we messed that up.
Even if you matched last nights performance you'll win by 30+
I'd get Yeaman and Stilts back and in the centres. Need to plug the hole in defence quickly. Sort the defenbce out and then worry about scoring tries again. Yes these two are past it and slow but far beeter than either centre we have been using of late.
Wasn't sure if Whiting had a recall clause in his contract which is why I'd left Logan there. I think if Ellis is on that right edge then it'll give Lancaster and Logan a bit of support. Whiting could do a job though.
Wow, who'd have thought after the start to the season we had that we'd be yearning for a starting centre line up of Whiting and Yeaman!
Its still early days, and its difficult not to get sucked into knee jerk reactions, but the sooner it gets addressed, the quicker we can move on as Cas, Wigan and Widnes have all targeted the weakness.
I'd get Yeaman and Stilts back and in the centres. Need to plug the hole in defence quickly. Sort the defenbce out and then worry about scoring tries again. Yes these two are past it and slow but far beeter than either centre we have been using of late.
Good enough for short term and a win against Wakey, but this the correct way long term, I would be tempted to bring back Yeaman though and move Carlos to the halfs, stick with Logan though.
Shaul Micheals Logan Yeaman Naughton Carlos Sneyd Bowden Houghton Taylor Mini Manu Ellis
Frank Green Dean Thomspon
A few lucky players there, but not convinced we have much better in reserve.
Bonaire isn't going to be happy with that pick.
It's a fair call though. Tuimavave looks fragile defending in the centres, and has had a few off games after starting well.
I'd agree with dropping Wattsy too. If you look at last night, we was very slow to get back to the defensive line and moving up with the rest of the team, which resulted in gaps and other players conceding penalties. Needs a kick up the booty.