I have not watched the players to comment but from my mate he is concerned our pack size is too small again. Plus worried about Coleman credentials as a coach. Early days and another halfback, centre and a big prop it seems is required. Personally friendlies are to try out different combinations and players. I do not think Coleman knows his best side yet and fingers crossed it comes good. 💪👍
Whitehave looked a well drill side, not sure how many they have recruited so maybe they have a more settled squad than us, they way they congratulated themselves after an unforced error from us told you have seriously they were taking the game. Thought Roby, Fozzard and Walker played well, the rest were bang average. Not sure why we have signed Sam Brooks he's awful and Kirk didnt offer much. Very early days so wont read massively into it.
Whitehave looked a well drill side, not sure how many they have recruited so maybe they have a more settled squad than us, they way they congratulated themselves after an unforced error from us told you have seriously they were taking the game. Thought Roby, Fozzard and Walker played well, the rest were bang average. Not sure why we have signed Sam Brooks he's awful and Kirk didnt offer much. Very early days so wont read massively into it.
Sam Brooks been crunchie for years I don't know why we signed him too. There is much better props than him in the league, and I rather us have found some extra cash to have kept Farnworth. As you say early days but fans will get disgruntled if signed a few turnips
Did even our 3 loanees not play well?
I never read much into pre-season games, wasn't there so can't comment on this one, but a good while ago in our previous incarnation in the Championship we beat Warrington by the odd point (or 2?) in a pre-season game and I thought, that has set us up nicely, but we had a poor season, so provided we aren't smashed by 50 points, I'm happy to wait for the real stuff to start, before jumping to any conclusions!
TBH the warm up showed us some interesting passing sequences with the ball flashing across the field and promising some exciting moves, in the actual game very little was shown which suggests that there is still work in progress. A number of moves failed because of miss timing and confusion, again more still to do. That at this point I can understand.
What was more confusing was the fast line speed on a couple of occasions where the defensive line seemed to forget that tackling when you get to the oppositions line is the aim!
Seriously we are too far off the real games to worry about the state of play. As has been said we have been ahead of ourselves before looking great until the season starts!
Maybe AC has it right? Let's hope so!
Seriously we are too far off the real games to worry about the state of play. As has been said we have been ahead of ourselves before looking great until the season starts!
First game is on the 4th Feb vs Swinton in the 1895 cup so not far off at all. Maybe, the 1895 cup doesn't count as a 'real' game but, a poor showing in that competition isn't going to put bums on seats for the league games.
The 1895 games are being treated as the start of the season otherwise we wouldn't have all these friendlies beforehand.Apparently you get a gold sticker in your writing book from IMG if you win the competition but there's as much chance of Widnes winning it as the man in the moon.
Awful game. Friendly or not, We will struggle so much this season as we have absolutely no size in our middles.
Wow you sure you watched the game ?TBH the warm up showed us some interesting passing sequences with the ball flashing across the field and promising some exciting moves, in the actual game very little was shown which suggests that there is still work in progress. A number of moves failed because of miss timing and confusion, again more still to do. That at this point I can understand.
What was more confusing was the fast line speed on a couple of occasions where the defensive line seemed to forget that tackling when you get to the oppositions line is the aim!
Seriously we are too far off the real games to worry about the state of play. As has been said we have been ahead of ourselves before looking great until the season starts!
Maybe AC has it right? Let's hope so!
Did even our 3 loanees not play well?
They were not the worst on the pitch but none of them are very big. One of them got us the draw in the last minute when he somehow got under the posts through 2 or 3 defenders. So he must be pretty strong. Only one game & a friendly at that but left feeling should have kept Farnworth & probably Lawton.
At the end of the squad signings I predicted no higher than 8th or 9th but having seen all the players in person I really do think we will be in a relegation fight. Butt & Lloyd imo are bad signings. The Swinton loose forward did not impress either in this game. Whitehaven played well & thrir 12 ran the game & they would have won if they had not got a yellow card 9 minutes from time.
I think we are all aware of the signings and that we once again lack size in the pack but I think we may get a prop from wire so hopefully that helps. Given it was a friendly our players should be putting their hands up to cement a place. Did tilleke get a run out?
I know that they are only friendlies but it's the same issue every season, no size or fight in the pack, even worse this year is the fact there's a terrible lack of quality and depth at half back. I worries me that Owens and Gregson are the back up halves.
I'm starting to think my season ticket money could have been spent elsewhere.
I know that they are only friendlies but it's the same issue every season, no size or fight in the pack, even worse this year is the fact there's a terrible lack of quality and depth at half back. I worries me that Owens and Gregson are the back up halves.
I'm starting to think my season ticket money could have been spent elsewhere.
It is the same old every season lack of pack size and the halfbacks is another worry too. I don't know how the bookies have us 6th in the league. Need a few big props, 2nd rower, halfback and a centre. 🥖🥖😭🙈
Doesn’t look good so far, but give Whitehaven credit they finished last season well and appear to have recruited, so their predicted demise was premature.
lets see where we are after the 2 1985 games