All in all, we are back, we won and we are through.
That's the main thing from today.
Word on Owens, he does seem to have developed as a player and a leader. Also, how did Kenny Baker not play Championship until last year?!
Need as close to the first 1-17 as possible for the league to hit the ground running, with 4 very winnable games to begin with.
All in all, we are back, we won and we are through. That’s the main thing from today. Word on Owens, he does seem to have developed as a player and a leader. Also, how did Kenny Baker not play Championship until last year?! Need as close to the first 1-17 as possible for the league to hit the ground running, with 4 very winnable games to begin with.
Was thinking that earlier. We had worse forwards when we were in Super League. Did long minutes today, too.
It was a comfortable win though certainly more than worried in that first 10 minutes. The injury stoppage probably came at a good time and certainly switched them on a bit.
Clough, Cook, Jewitt and Tomkins would add significantly to that team. The worry is, that it's unlikely we'll get through the season without having some sort of injuries.
Don't think Lyons at hooker works. And think Baker would have been better at loose than O'Neil. But it's needs must at the moment.
Was impressed by Else. Wonder if there's a temptation to play Smith at hooker temporarily?
I didn't think they grounded the ball for their try from where I was sat, looked like it bounced. Also thought there was a forward pass a tackle or two before.
is logan still here?
Logan Tomkins won't play a game this year. Serious foot injury, he's done for the year.
I hope that’s just conjecture... any sources about this VM?
No conjecture JB - was hoping to see Tomkins play this year he's (in my opinion) the only true SL player that we have.
However - someone very close to camp has told me he's out for a long time.
As James has said we really need Clough Jewitt and Cook playing , plus if the Tomkins rumour is true a new 9 . Even then I'm not convinced we are strong enough , and will have to rely on SL loans I think.
We played ok but the opposition has to be factored in to that . Whitehaven will be a far tougher test .
I don't think the better sides in our division will be having sleepless nights about us at the moment.
The Vicar
No conjecture JB – was hoping to see Tomkins play this year he’s (in my opinion) the only true SL player that we have. However – someone very close to camp has told me he’s out for a long time.
Balls 🙁
If that is the case we could do with a loanee from somewhere.
I don't think shifting Smith into that position would be a good idea - his organisation and authority in the backs is invaluable with so many youngsters. He might well get something out of Lawton, if only using him as a foil.
Yesterday Else looked sharp and has a good pass and seemed happier than Lyons in the hooking role.
On the whole though the team looked well motivated, enthusiastic and fit.
We played ok but the opposition has to be factored in to that . Whitehaven will be a far tougher test . I don’t think the better sides in our division will be having sleepless nights about us at the moment.
Agreed.Some of the reaction has been a little over the top but then you can only play what's in front of you.
....... Also thought there was a forward pass a tackle or two before.
Agreed - I shouted so at my TV but the match officials took no notice of me.
I thought Craven had a very, shall I say quiet, game; and the younger forwards all did really well, Farnworth in particular.
A win is a win but that Wales team will at the bottom of the table at the end of the season as I cant see Rangi staying there for very long and he was the only good thing about their team. I would even say that he has proved me wrong and seems like he is still capable of putting in some good performances.
Last year we had a better team beat Oldham in the cup and that Oldham side were a lot better than the side we beat yesterday. Jewitt, Clough and Cook are realistically not going to play alot of games due to age, injuries and our pitch, so the nucleus of that side will be the team through the season and I believe that we will get bullied by most of the teams in the championship. I think we should have brought in more seasoned championship like Tyrer and Grady instead of injury prone over the hill ex-super league players. Its going to be a tough old season but up the vikings.
widnes didnt look in trouble at any point yesterday, i thought we made decent yards every set and most of the defending was good. we have a few players to come back in and i think we will go ok this season
Please don't judge how we will do this year on yesterdays game! West Wales are no marker and it's very obvious there are a lot of ex-RU players in the team that lack knowledge of rugby league. We walked through their line at times, this weekends game against Whitehaven will be a lot harder as they've got some decent players, although I expect a win it's not a given.
On the flip side, how about we give credit for some of the plays and flow considering these boys haven’t played in over a year...
Can’t base how good or bad we will be this year based on that game to do so would be ridiculous