Quote: Exeter Rhino "Last week it was the forwards losing the collision and being poor around the ruck. This was largely fixed against Wigan - to the point that we were dominant for large parts of the first half and held our own defensively under serious pressure in the second. I thought most of the forwards were good, aside from Merrin being brushed off for Bullock's try (did he come back on the field after that?).
This week the main problems seem to lie with the halves - poor execution on kicks in particular (Myler two poor games in a row, despite looking a bit sparkier with the ball in hand), and poor last tackle plays in general. I'm not sure if Myler is the kind of half Leeds need at the moment. He's too inconsistent with ball in hand and is too easily exposed defensively; at least Burrow was more dependable.
Walker had a nightmare in all aspects of his game (positioning, handling, passing, tackling - do I need to go on?), but we can just about make some allowances here for his age. If other players are being rested or put on the bench for poor performances, what do we do with Walker? It might be a good idea to give him another shot, but I wouldn't blame the coach from bringing in Golding.
Lolohea picked up the ball nicely in broken play but seems to have lost the ability to go into 5th gear - his highlights reel suggests this is something he could have done in the past. Not sure if he's out of condition, just lost pace, confidence or what... Got to cut out those slow looping long passes that everyone can telegraph. I think he needs more time rather than dropping.
Otherwise the backs (Hurrell included) seemed to over-cook things and make brain-farts with McNamara-era Bulls regularity... A bit of composure and we could have easily been ahead at half-time, and even won the game, but at the same time we can't have too many qualms about the result. A bit more time playing together will improve these things.
Lots of green shoots despite the scoreline... I'm less worried about the forwards now with Crosby to come back in and some of the older heads to be rotated in the back row. The spine has to be a serious concern going forward though...
1. Walker - still learning and far from the finished article
6. Lolohea - some glimpses but not quite the hardened NRL pro we needed
7. Myler - has flattered to deceive since the start of last season
9. Dwyer/Parcell - some positive performances but still some way off the top players in the league'"
Nailed on you will sign Cameron King from Fev at some stage. He is better than many super league hookers.
