There are undoubtedly positives associated with Brian Mac's arrival, in terms of attacking play and changes to the first team line-up. He can't be blamed for everything wrong with the side given the tools at his disposal (injuries or otherwise).

The main point of concern is our defence. This was a problem last season and Brian Mac and Lowes have had a full off-season with the team to sort this out, yet we are one of the worst sides in the competition (so far anyway). Granted we are missing some big units who would make a difference here, but this is more about the team collectively as opposed to individuals IMO. Wigan played St. George missing Fielden and Lima, yet their pack was able to stand firm and the scoreline remained respectable at the end. Clearly improvements have been made on attack (despite an element of Michael Platt decision making creeping in at times), so why wasn't the defence improved too? Or rather, why has it deteriorated?

I think we have to remember that BMD inherited his team. If it was him making the decisions last season I doubt a few of the new contracts would have been made. But it would not have worked to replace half the starting 13 and the coach at the same time. BMD has to be part of the decision making process which is why we will probably see quite a change next year.

If you don't want to watch what his team produces, don't! If only everyone took note and I might not have the fool that's started standing near me shouting b0!!0cks at the top of his voice all match!

Win or lose, he has certainly delivered on his promise for exciting rugby!

FWIW... If we were full strength Kirke wouldn't get a look in!!!!

We'd have;

Peacock, Buderus, Leuluai, JJB, Ablett, Sinfield.

Meaning you'd be choosing 4 Subs from;

Bailey, Cross, Lauitiiti, Delaney, Hauraki, Burgess, Clarkson, Pitts & Kirke.

And that's if he decided to have 4 forwards on the bench, there might only be 3 of those that made it! And without including the on loan Ambler. Kirke would have to do a hell of a lot more than he has been doing to make the bench over that lot!

By that logic Powell should be credited with our championship win of 2004 and Noble should be for Wigan's last year. That's not to say we're doomed already, but if we are to credit Brian Mac for improving our attack then he must also take some responsibility for our defensive failings as well.

Leeds may currently be bottom of Super League but it's still too early to judge.

What are the criteria for qualifying to play in the Super League?

A recognition that there are only a maximum of five SL clubs who are genuinely competitive... and by that, I mean are genuine contenders to win the SL title. The rest of the SL clubs are nothing more than window dressing.

I do retain some reservations with regard to the inclusion of Huddersfield among the genuinely competitive elite. They may just be an occasional nuisance factor.

Fair enough. Do you think that there are other teams threatening to join the ranks? How far behind are Hull KR?

That statement is either arrogant or ignorant, not sure which at the moment but probably the latter.



No need to add to it then.

No I don't.

The bookies also agree.

Randomly selected bookies Odds to win SL outright.

SUPER LEAGUE ODDS
10/11 Wigan
11/4 Warrington
13/2 St Helens
9/1 Leeds
12/1 Huddersfield
--------------------

NO HOPERS ODDS
40/1 Hull KR
50/1 Bradford
66/1 Castleford
80/1 Hull
125/1 Harlequins, Catalans
250/1 Salford
300/1 Crusaders
1000/1 Wakefield

You need at least 10 games to give any indication of how good your team is. Even after 10 games you still may not know then. Think you have been playing under your potential rather than being a poor team. I am sure Brian will identify what needs to be done.

Again, fair enough, how do you envisage the other 9 teams closing the gap? I think the licencing process has 'encouraged' a lot of teams to get themselves sorted financially, and hopefully this will lead to an improvement throughout RL in general in the next 6-12 years.

Improvig the image of RL also needs to be a priority, from a competitive international competition(s), to the geographical location in which the game is played at at a professional level, and the stadia in which games are played, and the numbers in attendance at all games.

The only reason we have lost our last 2 games is that we are making too many unforced errors, which is not the fault of the coach but the players outhere on the damn pitch, if the players had only made half the errors they have so far this season the Rhinos would be top of the league.

Leuluai is there to provide punishing defence and with that comes a few that will miss their mark, that is the price you pay. When you're ready with your calculator don't forget to do the same exercise for Eastwood and Kirke who I imagine put in similar average game time to Leuluai last season.

What was your claim again?

I suppose you still believe your Wigan point also.