Defensively not too bad but when we get in opposition's 20 zone we are clueless how to break teams down still but hopefully as season goes on we learn. Golding, Watkins, Moon,Burrow,Parcell and Garbutt all put in good shifts across the game, but attack needs to improve.

Whilst disappointing not to win I can't see us struggling to be in the top 8.

Should get Lilley back and send Sutcliffe to Bradford.

Fitness and enthusiasm was up ten fold from last year and defence last year would've shipped 20+

And Jimmy only got about 10 minutes. The use of the bench is diabolical and nothing seems to change.

For a few years I've wondered what they do in training because our attack is clueless. The only time we look half decent is when we offload. But we have no structure, and things don't flow. Not surprising a team like Cas play good attacking rugby with Orr and Sheridan. I think a good back on the coaching team would work wonders

Not sure if it was the defence from both sides cancelling each other out or the poor attack from both sides.
For me the difference between the two sides sadly for us was Sutcliffe.
Maybe 13 is his best position but both JJB and Ward played well enough not to be dropped.
Let's hope McGuire can slot in at HB and deliver.
I would bring back Lilley and like someone said loan Sutcliffe to the Bradford Liquidators.

Attendance of 2208. Where were the fans?

I don't get the calls for Sutcliffe to be a 13. Not physical enough and couldn't give you the 30+ tackles you need. For the talk about Lilley ending up at Fev one day I think it's actually Sutcliffe who will be.

Lilley has physical limitations but he has game sense and is a footballer and doesn't seem to want his own ball to play with.

That can't be right.

Fairly pleased with that. We look defensively very solid. Teams aren't going to score "easy" tries against us.

Attack is still a little stilted but not as bad as some are making out. We caused Saints plenty of problems and looked far more confident on with the ball than last season.
Yes we struggle a bit near the oppositions line but we've always done that and unfortunately, without wanting to have too much of a go at Sutcliffe, we were basically playing with one half back. Get McGuire back in and we'll be more of a threat to break down defences.

Long term I'd be very tempted to swap Sutcliffe and Golding.

I'd also say Saints kicking was better than ours. We squandered a few chances to apply pressure through poor kicks.

Defence was very good imo but attack wise poor from both HB's neither put a decent grubber kick in & we never looked like breaking their line in their 20m zone.
I don't mind running penalties but the one in the last minute before HT was just poor game management imo.
Again i question the use of the bench & especially taking Parcell off with Burrow to 9 when Sutty was struggling in attack already.
Also tonight proves Lilley should be our 7 imo he has the variety of kicking game we need.

Mcguire was garbage last year when he played i wouldn't put so much expectancy on him.

I think some people are being a bit harsh. I beg to differ with the critics as both sides defended very well and there was not much space for either team on attack. We showed a lot of effort and spirit and it was the first game of the season with a tough away fixture.

Our last quarter finishing was not good enough but let's be honest Sutcliffe was terrible he took the wrong decisions or his passing and kicking was nowhere near good enough and he showed why he is not a half back. But he was no better as a runner as when he was put clear by Watkins he was not quick enough to go outside and was easily tackled into touch. He also died with the ball too many times and he was partly at fault for their try.

There were plenty of positives though with Golding outstanding and good performances from Parcel, Ward, Burrow, Garbutt and Moon and JJB put in a high tackle count and he led the line with the speed of youth and the rest of the pack looked fit and solid. Mullally and Baldwinson went ok in the time they were given and will be useful subs as the season wears on.

Had McGuire or Lilley played I think we would have won.

IMHO, two horrible teams both crying out for a directing HB.

Diabolical that two "top" teams were so utterly clueless.

4/5 drives and a bomb. Pfft.

12,208.

Not talking the 2 right on the bell in the first half was such a poor decision.

Says people being harsh then puts all the blame on Suttcliffe!
Who decided to run the 3 kickable penalties 1st half especially the one seconds before HT?
Sutty had a poor game wrt creativity & 5th tackle options but so did Burrow plus uber Coach subbed our 9 put Burrow there knowing Sutty was struggling.
De Ja Vu in attack even had Mcguire played i agree we missed Lilley but someone decided a loan move was a good idea knowing we were already 1 HB down & hadn't recruited
Positives were Golding Jjb Ward & Garbutt imo the negatives are all too familier but hopefully we kick on this year & get stronger.