I realised today that something we had been criticising as poor form is actually being done on purpose. At the opposition ptb we have been criticising the slow line speed all season so far, but it was clear today that in defence they are moving up and ‘standing off’ to ensure they have a supported line in defence. Being a lightweight team this ‘time’ means we have at least 2/3 available in each tackle and reduces the number of tackle breaks the opposition can make. Yes we may concede 10 in every tackle, but it means we keep a straight, disciplined line with nobody running out and leaving gaps. If I’m right in this, then it’s great coaching.
Yes a decent win in the end, as I said after the Whitehaven game, other teams know we have a bit of a soft underbelly so get at us physically, but we have some skillful players and eventually, whether due to extra fitness, I don't know, we get on top! If Swinton had interchange props as good as Hatton and Bennion, then it may well have been a different story. Hatton was a nuisance all game! He is no bigger than Moran (don't know if he is heavier?), but he runs harder and ploughs on through. Bennion likewise runs good lines and they both look to slip the ball, something our props just don't do, which we telegraph to the opposition by never backing them up.
I was really impressed by our two young hookers, whilst Tomkins gets through loads of work and has a good pass on him, he rarely scoots and it was great to see the two lads both make some good yards and keep Swinton guessing!
We are the masters of predictable play though, whether that's because Mr Sheens insists on certain moves and kicks being repeated I don't know, but how many times do we have to kick high on the 6th tackle and for Swinton to safely pouch it, for us to try a little variation? Likewise with our inside ball move. I don't think any of our forwards broke the line from such a move all game and yet we have got to make it even if we are moving the ball at pace across the back line. I thought after we scored such a blistering opening try then we would at least give the ball a bit more air!
A final word of praise to the much maligned Leuluai, thought he had a decent game today, not only did he get across the whitewash but he passed the ball at least twice. He has always put in plenty of effort, but he made a bit more of an impact today!
I suspect that it the last time we will play for quite a while, which I guess leaves the scope to bring in an aggressive prop or two up in the air!
Discipline is another key point - we had conceded three penalties before the 78th minute yesterday. Certainly a welcome change to previous years.
I remember most people on here.Who seem to know it all.Saying baker and cross no good.Before they had even played for us.Where are these people now.Many on here gave these guys no chance.2 great signings in my opinion.
Really enjoyable game yesterday having watched every game this year we ain’t far off we just drop off the intensity at certain periods in a game which against the better sides will be costly but against the rest it’s clear skill wise we have the edge on a lot of sides, I think we will miss out on the play offs this time round but add a few players to what we have as the season goes on, a good recruitment off season and I think we will be a force again soon in this league especially if we can keep hold of the likes of baker, cross, smith, Tomkins and so on. Final note it was nice to see both hookers have a real good game yesterday hopefully now Tomkins will get a longer rest period and we will see a better him for it without the need of him conserving a bit of energy.
I remember most people on here.Who seem to know it all.Saying baker and cross no good.Before they had even played for us.Where are these people now.Many on here gave these guys no chance.2 great signings in my opinion.
I think we’ve seen enough of them two so far to offer them contracts for next year already...
Would agree with that. Baker has been our stand out forward and Cross has also been excellent.
A couple of members Monday’s ago sheens said that Toronto was in for cross in the off season I think he’s a player that has the capability to play super league id like to secure him and baker as soon as we can.
You wouldn't be able to stand in either of their way if they get a full-time SL gig, and that unfortunately is the reality of the situation. There's also the threat of Ottawa/New York, who even if they don't come in for our players, if they go in for bottom end SL players, then those clubs still start looking at us.
You wouldn’t be able to stand in either of their way if they get a full-time SL gig, and that unfortunately is the reality of the situation. There’s also the threat of Ottawa/New York, who even if they don’t come in for our players, if they go in for bottom end SL players, then those clubs still start looking at us.
Which is why you offer them a contract early. Nobody, apart from us, can speak to them before the May deadline
They may not sign but we should be getting in there early.