Really? So it's ok for the players to expect to get beat at Saints?

That is not what was said. But for the players they need to focus on performance first and foremost.

Who says the players should go in not wanting to win every game why would'nt they?
Yer mis-reading the points being made i.e win or lose it won't or shouldn't define our season should we put a decent performance in & we have positives to build on in the event of a loss.

Sounds like McDermott was at the Fax/Fev game on sunday then, or at least he's seen the video footage. Jordan had one of his best games for Fev. When he and the other starting prop Andy Bostock were on the field the score was Fax 4 Fev 22, when they were off (& Ormondroyd was on) the score was Fax 22 Fev 0, and whilst it obviously wasn't all down to the props' performances Baldwinson definitely went a lot better than Ormondroyd on Sunday, which hadn't necessarily been the case in pre-season.

Handley played very well too but Walters didn't make much impact.

What is being written is that performance is more important that the result. I understand the sentiment but it's wrong.

Sport is about winning, even when you are playing badly. As a fan I can be satisfied if we play well but lose. As a player that should not be the case at this level. As the saying goes, start listening to the fans and you will soon be sat with them. I hope the players don't listen to some of the stuff on here.

Good luck tonight

I thought it was pretty poor attacking display but solid. But with last year I think mentally it's important to get a solid performance tonight, on the back of last year a gash performance will do no favours to the team

No one is saying it from a players point of view, of course they should go into it aiming to win, as they should every game.

As a fan though I can be realistic, I know that we will have losses throughout the season. Whoever finishes 1st will more than likely lose around 6/7/8 games at least.

I'd love to see us blow Saints out the water and lay down a marker to the rest of league, but I'd rather us get the 2 points. Come October time, the performance won't mean a thing but the points could be vital.

Cant make tonite(work)but hope we come away with a performance that will show our intent for this season win or lose good luck lads!

Again yer missing the point no-one is saying that from a players pov or how THEY should approach games.
It's an opinion of some fans whereas others feel tonight is must win.

Were the game a one off - say a GF, cup final or the like - I'd agree.
But to convince yourself that you're unbeatable only to lose? Doesn't take many of those to not only shake your confidence but destroy it. I'd actually find that explanation of last season's fiasco far more plausible than a flooded training facility.

no McGuire, sutty at 6. baldwinson on bench and surprisingly, for me, is mullally

I think you missed the point.

Very happy with that squad to be honest. No need to risk Mcguire early on, Baldwinson gets his chance to shine and a very versatile bench. Looking forward to this.