I think we're all being a tad too critical. Yes, it was a game we should have won. Yes, our attack needed a boost. But really, the game would have been won had we had Sinfield kicking. I know it's easy to see a loss and panic, but we lost by 2 points - 2-4 points Sinfield would have kicked. Let's remember we're relying on our FOURTH choice kicker.

And we're saying we can't blame our injuries, but why not? When we were at basically full strength we were Top of the Table with the best defence in the competition. Our players are going to start coming back and with them, our level of skill and ideas will increase.

That's not to say there aren't changes McDermott could make, or that those first-team players we have had playing have played to their best, because there are always improvements to be made, but I'm certainly not worrying about the rest of the season. And I'd rather this 'slump' happen against teams such as Wakefield who a) Are not challenging us for high spots on the table, b) we use frequently to give younger players SL experience, and C) As a team I don't want to see them relegated.

If props don't get good till then, how come so many of them actually go backwards by then?

Agree not writing him off but if I am honest he looks a bit too plump and needs some more good bulk. Sure he will make it, I like how he runs the ball up. Also think baldwinson needs to add a bit more bulk but he is younger. Mulhern just looks more physically ready

Because - and I think we might both have the same high profile example in mind (Fielden?) - they've been exposed to too much rugby too early and got physically and mentally worn down by it.

Peacock's the exception to a lot of rules, but I'm not sure he would still be the force he is now if he'd been playing top grade every week since he was 18.

Ah, but there is a difference between over exposed (burnt out) and getting better or worse in some cases.

Bailey could be another example. He was a far superior player in 2004-2005 than he has been in any of his last few years. I don't think that one was down to burn out at an early age though.

Fielden you are correct on, but everyone said in his early years how he was on for too many minutes. By contrast Sam Burgess and James Graham are awesome players, and will be no better at 29 than they were at 23, but still have plenty years in them.

The younger Burgess boys would all attest to the fact that the old "props peak at 30" mantra is probably no longer correct. Whilst they do need size, the best props also have some agility and speed. Not something that improves with age.