As probably expected with Leuluai's absence, Bailey is starting the game.

The 13 as expected. Subs are Clarkson, Kirke, Achurch and McShane (thankfully).

Griffin misses out and guessing that Achurch is going to come on in the front row and with Leuluai to return, that must make Griffin 6th choice prop now.

Awesome

Great performance from you're lot, it's got to be said Peacock looked awesome out there, made big meters and he was a nightmare to get down.

Sublime from Leeds tonight!

- Massively better defensively.
- Good making metres upfield.
- Bit unorganised/sloppy when we got to the final 20m in the 1st half but credit Hull's energy for that, once they got tired out in the 2nd we broke through.
- Kicking game downfield very good, minus a few dodgy cross field attempts from Sinfield.
- Moon, Peacock, Burrow, Sinfield and McGuire all big games.
- We were on the recieving end of some quite soft calls from Ganson which was really the only reason Hull had hope for 55 mins.
- Great to see things like Sinfield kicking from the scrum from Leeds' own 20m for Watkins to chase, the game was won but they were trying to keep it entertaining when others would have been up the jumper, likewise the effort for Hall's try.

- .......and finally, WTF are the refs/touch judges wearing????

Good start to the season. Looked organised - especially defensively which was enthusiastic, hard and intelligent all night.

Once again the usual suspects ran the show on the back of a strong forward showing. Big change from the last couple of seasons for me was that we played patient rugby - not trying to score from all over the pitch - content to take the ball out and kick when required, but still making the offloads when the percentages were right.

Very, very good start especially as I thought Hull's defence for 65 minutes was almost claustrophobic, very good.

Hull in the second half were about as good as Lemar

Would agree with all that. Sinfield MoM imo. Ablett was also very good wide left before Vickery's injury and over the season can see Ablett/Moon/Hall having the sort of joy that Lauititi/Senior/Bai once did.

McShane was very good at the simple things, giving us a bit more zip and freeing up Burrow a bit when he came on at 6-6, after which we became more clinical. Achurch and Kirke went under the radar a bit, but couldn't say anyone had a bad game.

Only disappointment was a lack of ball for Watkins (even when he was at centre) and Hardaker, but all in all a very engouraging start.

I thought we were very good for a 1st game of the year and defensively outstanding.
Once the passes started sticking Ull had no answer and to be fair they were lucky we only got 36 and they got 6.
I wonder when the FC chairman Mr Pearson is gonna deliver this world class team he was gobbing off all pre-season about

It's an interesting point, but Watkins looked far more dangerous in an England shirt. He is a great ball player, Moon has had the press as an offloader, but Watkins passing is superb. If you go to him he passes and if you hesitate he kills you himself - especially near the line when it's try time. Then you have his sheer pace from anywhere on the pitch.
Shame he's missing his winger at the moment.

Very pleased with Moons performance ,early days but it looks like we have a centre who can pass the ball.
And what about Peacocks performance the man is ageless.

Yeah i liked the look of Ablett playing next to Moon, shame about having to switch him. No coincidence that Hull's only score came straight after we had to re-jig things.

Again i don't think it's a coincidence that we started to look more organised in attack and starting scoring when McShane came on, he like Lunt won't offer you something edge of your seat like Burrow but just gives us that more traditional presence at 9.

Watkins side not seeing much ball might also be to do with Hull's line-up, they had the experienced partnership of Yeaman/Briscoe on that side whilst Moon/Hall were up against the new young partnership of Arundel/Crookes.

Danny Mags looked lethal

Joel Moon was fantastic, just have to hope Norwich City FC don't bid for him

Sinfield was majestic

And Bailey owned that gob.... Westerman to

Pretty much agree with all you've said. Poor old Ablett...forever destined to never play in his LF position: just as well he does make a pretty good centre too. Moon looks the business and hopefully will gain a more telepathic understanding with Hall. Watkins needs to see more of the ball in future games I hope....and I agree about McShane. Peacock was superb ably supported by the rest of the pack, Sinfield and McGuire were ever dangerous (McGuire's kicking game has improved so much it's a joy to watch) and Burrow's jinking around elusive jack in the box style again paid dividends with yet another try.

Best of all defensively the team looked far more cohesive and watertight

I thought our wide defensive play was the most impressive aspect.