Was a very interesting game last night. I know people above are saying commitment is not enough, but in terms of the pack, I thought we were excellent. Apart from Hurrell being a shocking defender, our pack dominated with the field position and keeping Hull penned in near their line. I was shocked to see the YEP player ratings this morning, with Hulls props rated higher than hours. Surely we won the forward battle by far?

In terms of attack, we were dire and never looked to cause them much trouble. When I reflect on the attack of the golden generation, we were never amazing at breaking down teams on their own goal line, it felt like so much of our attack was based on an offload game with brilliant support plays. Any number of players could break the line, knowing their would be support from Webb, Mcguire, Burrow or Hall to back them up.

The issue with our attack is that I don't know what style we're trying to play. We don't try many set plays (admittedly weather was poor), players are all flat and too static, and we don't have many players running great lines. We seem to try these set up plays over and over, which means give it to Mik, Prior or Martin on an inside ball and let them run towards the posts. There's not much going after that.

From next week, Hurrell HAS to be dropped or moved to left centre. My preference for the backs, if no one new available would be Myler, Handley, Mellor, Broadbent, T. Briscoe.

Tindall and Broadbent get calls ups for me. Outside backs last night were all dire.

I take your point totally but that backline cant possibly be the answer.

Recruitment priorities seem highly lop-sided over the last 12 months or so, and this is continuing to show even now we have a few more bodies back. The backline and halves have been neglected at the expense of the pack IMO, as illustrated by the last minute signing of Eastmond which speaks volumes about the lack of preparedness for this season. Some posters on this messageboard seem obsessed with our pack, as if it is the only thing that matters, but performances this season show we need a balanced team more than anything.

Last night demonstrated the futilty of having a dominant pack and controlling 7 if the rest of the team (tactics included) are not up to scratch. Isn't Sean Long supposed to be in charge of our attack? If so there are major questions over his appointment, especially his judgement (again) in the decision to go for Eastmond. Not sure about the hooking situation anymore but Leeming and Dwyer aren't consistent enough.

It wasn't a game for throwing the ball around. Leeds should have been more patient, taking the 2 when on offer, and playing more direct when in the opposition 20.

I'm not sure whether it is fair to blame individuals in a game like this. No doubt plenty has been said about Hurrell. Hull certainly did a number on him in the first half and we couldn't recover - although Hurrell can't be blamed for the toothlessness in attack close to Hull's try line. Tom Briscoe has had some flak on here recently. While he's solid enough it is disappointing that Leeds aren't showing more ambition in their (re)signings for the backline (and stand-off). Both our centres needed to be better last night.

I do feel sorry for folk on here. Despite our disagreements I do think you are a very passionate, knowledgeable and loyal fanbase. As you know I've stopped watching games as it doesn't give me abything positive back. This has been culmination of last few years really. I'll stay a fan, banter on here, and catch odd snippets on radio. If entertainment comes back I'll start watching again.
I do admire the perseverance and self control of people who continue to watch....!

In fairness to Long, an appointment I didnt agree with, hes got 1 half back and a backline with no speed being provided by 9s who cant pass the ball. That being said getting shape, depth, organisation and options doesnt take strike power just coaching.

Onto next week.....

You wouldnt think Hurrell is playing for a new contract! Deffo could see him being shipped out to wakey or the likes and turning back into his old form though, something needs to give. The pack was an issue from the minute we lost Kylie and Peacock but we seem to have sorted that out but at the cost of our backs as others have said, that being said we cant go out and buy new players because that just goes back into the desperation cycle of stop gaps. Anyone know when Newman is back? could offer us some pace and give competition to certain players in the squad!

I'd actually go with a backline of
Walker
TIndall
Newman
Broadbent
Handley
Gale
New half


For next season. Am sure we could all get behind that.....!

Newman is a couple of weeks away but lets not expect too much from him too soon.

I think Hurrell is actually trying too hard.

Maybe it's a bit reactionary...

My thought process is that while we only scored 2 tries last night, we let in 3 through Hurrell, the rest of our D was actually really good. Perhaps that backline would be more steady in defense, although may not offer anything extra in attack.

The writing was on the wall when he could be seen gazing dreamy eyed at the supporters in the southstand while mouthing along to marching on. Lovely bloke and passionate no doubt but his shortcomings far outweigh his strengths, especially in a team thats vulnerable and also cant utilise those strengths to their fullest.

Tom Briscoe at centre is a huge mistake I have no idea why this has happened. We have Broadbent who is a huge talent and instead we are going with a winger. Hurrell shouldn’t be offered a new contract, as much as I like him he just isn’t good enough now and freeing up a quota and marquee spot is more important especially when we have Newman, Broadbent, Sutcliffe, Sutcliffe and moving Handley and him about is a mistake. Gale was completely on his own running it, Sutcliffe doesn’t want to play 6. Dwyer was nowhere aswell and hasn’t been recently, Mellor is over hyped and doesn’t do it for me, I’m not sure what he brings. Front rowers and spot on, big Mik is impressive. Tetevano needs to just step up the intensity when running in but I’m sure that will come. I think King Vuniyayawa is actually coming along nicely, he runs hard and tackles hard, he needs more action though. Mclleland needs a shot and work with Gale but they are both halfbacks really. No one should blame Longy, what has he had to work with? Agar is fine, he’s doing what he can at the minute, when we get a consistent team to work with it will come together. Recruitment is key for a 6, I would go all out for Trueman or Connor. I would bring another front rower in aswell as I’m not sure on Priors stance. Love him to stay. Martin has lost a bit of confidence aswell, I think that could be down to his health but could we improve? His kicking is what we have need for a while as Gale isn’t getting any younger.

Hes puffing and panting too hard.

His pre match rendition of "marching on together" takes it out of him.