I?ve got to say that first half last night made me question what I was actually doing there. Yes we were poor on the field, but waiting around for minutes at a time for every video ref decision was so boring and frustrating. Not bad if you?re sat at home watching, chance to make a cup of tea or look for that cheap pair of trainers on the ipad, but to be sat there watching a 40 minute half of boring Rugby League become a 50 minute half was nearly enough for me to get up and f**k off at half time. It?s just ruining the spectacle. Let?s hope the game flows more next week when we can actually judge Leeds as a team after 2 byes in the last week. Can?t say I?m seeing the value in Handley as a centre, and that combination on the left with Lumb looks lightweight and clunky at times. It may take a few beatings and some poor showings down that left edge before Arthur reconsiders whether it?s a good move or not. Like I say, I have my reservations.

Agree with your points about the video ref. Too often it kills momentum and excitement with its forensic focus on things that are obvious to the naked eye. I do disagree with some of the evaluations of the first half. By common consensus we  brought in the best available coach and like it or not, that is exactly how he wants us to play. Like Salford last week, Huddersfield were exhausted after 30 mins, allowing Arthur to rest several key men for next weeks far bigger challenge, with 20 mins to go. Hull KR and Saints will tell us how far that strategy will take us. I've thought for a few weeks that Lumb might need a break, and I wonder if he might be tempted to shift Handley to the wing (I think he's done well at centre) and  let Watkins try and stifle the threat of Hiku.

Agree with the jist of what Leeds Owl is saying.

I think the game has a wider issue with long periods of really boring play. Even more so in the first half. 5 drives and a kick with little variation other than a few drop-offs. 


The last 2 games we have played has seen numerous sets where Jake Connor only gets the ball on the last tackle to kick it.


Mix it in with tedious captain?s challenges and video refs on Mogadon and the sport at times is duller than a John Major speech.

Agree with all the points re the video ref, but in terms of the halves lack on involvement it is clearly by design. I forget which, but in either last week's post game presser, or the "behind the game" feature Arthur tells the halves to take themselves out of the game and ( I paraphrase) let the forwards get on with it. That's the way a lot of top level NRL rugby is played anyway, but it's probably accentuated at Leeds simply because there isn't the pace in the 3/4 line to reward playing wider earlier. Arthur is playing to his strengths, which remarkably given the last few years, lie with his pack. It would be a bit different if both Croft and Sivo were fit, but it is what it is. I'd settle into the pipe and slippers for a few more dull 1st halves over the coming months. Personally I can  live with them if it means we actually start winning games.

Agree with all that.watching Wigan that?s all they do five drives and a kick it works sadly 

Agree with all that.watching Wigan that?s all they do five drives and a kick it works sadly 

Totally agree 

Much depends on whether Brad's methods can translate into wins against the better teams. The season will be a poor one if grinding out wins against the no hopers is as good as it gets. OTOH, if the no cutting corners approach gets us a few regular season wins against the big boys and deep into the playoffs, I'll be delighted.

Next 2 games are the real test, we rarely win 3 games in a row never mind 4, but we have an opportunity to do so. I don?t think Rovers are man for man massively superior to us, but they currently are a better unit and gave the confidence, and i?m just sick of rolling over against saints and think we are a better side than them currently.
 After 10 rounds a 7/3 would be excellent, a 6/4 win ratio would acceptable.


5/5 would be a disappointment and lack of real progress from last year.

Think that?s fair. We weren't a million miles from KR in both games under Arthur last year, even with our pygmy pack. They have certainly improved, but it does look like they'll be without both first choice wingers which is no small thing in the modern game. I'd be a lot more confident if Croft were fit, but you can?t have everything and it's a good and true test. I think we have decisions to make around Frawley and Lumb (who's been great but good do with a rest) to give ourselves the best chance of winning. 

Here`s a thought!
And I have been in the sun attempting to dig up the grass to extend the patio.
When all are fit with the exclusion of Sivo of course.
What about playing Croft RC inside Hall with Newman LC inside Handley.
Sinfield/Connor in the halves and Ackers/O`Connor in the hooking role.
Croft has that bit of pace and Handley isn`t a centre no matter how many times Arthur thinks he is.