We have an aussie coach, what do we expect? the difference in NRL and superleague is the speed of the play the ball. NRL still have 4 - 5 drives and a kick. Its all BA knows. I get he has improved our defence and line speed but that is it.

I’m starting to question the signing of ECW.


Surely we had the chance to bring in a player of quality in a position we needed added strength?


All we seem to have done is bring in a quota back to play in the reserves, when it looks like Lumb and Edgell are the preferred options to replace Sivo.


If we are not intending to use ECW in the matchday 13 most weeks then what was the point of signing him as we are effectively wasting the quota spot that became free on losing Sivo, when it would have been better used brining in another forward?


It’s looking more and more of an odd decision for me.


IF there was no one of real quality available then don’t use the quota spot for the sake of using it, wait until mid season when some players often become available from overseas 

There were signs that Croft, Connor and Miller will form a decent combination. 
McDonnell, Mik and Palasia were good.


Lisone needs to stop thinking he’s Crooks or Cuthbertson during his 15 minute spell and just revert back to his usual 2 drives. Won’t be sad if he’s not at Leeds next year. 

Saints had an extra half second in every tackle by holding down/flop.
That's not moaning at the ref. That's either earned from impact or by application. Either way it made a big difference. Honestly still think our issues are in defence rather than attack. 

I've calmed down a bit and rewatched the game after getting home.


That game was there to be won, I'm putting that loss down to Lisone, that pass when we were really getting on top of saints with territory was just a really dumb play.


Id like Connor to stay at 7 bar that ridiculous pass near the end I thought he went well and can see a decent link up with Miller.


I think I was harsh on the attack, rethinking it we haven't had the same spine in any of the games this year, that's really hard for a team to fire.

We were the better team in the first half, and were unlucky to be losing at half time. The starting midddles were impressive against the saints pack, Jenkins the standout but Oledski looks so much better with some decent forwards around him.




Our defence much improved on last season, apart from the 10 mins where we switched off and lost the game.  saints struggled to get out of their own half in the first half. 


Attack still needs work, not many ideas but hopefully a settled spine will improve that.

With the poor performing season of Akers and Frawley hopefully we see Connor and Croft at Half back now. With Miller back our attack will improve. Lots of good things to like about defence now we can build on this. We also have a decent squad now that’s interchangeable it’s early days to take the cue off rack for this season. Frawley to hooker would be my way to go but don’t let him get his hands on ball to kick on last tackle he’s dreadful. Frawley and Lisone a million to be here next season  imo Neither good enough 

For me that is our season effectively over. It was our only chance of silverware and it’s gone. We look absolutely clueless near the oppositions line and despite defending well for the first half we weren’t strong enough physically or mentally to maintain the required level. I think it’s unrealistic to judge a team over 40 mins and hope they can replicate that good 40 for both halves in future games. The better physical specimens will ultimately fare better over the full 80 minutes and we obviously don’t have enough in our current strongest 13. I fear the rest of the season we will just be judging how much we’ve improved by how small a margin we can lose by against the best opponents.

One of the things that was so bad last season was the lack of improvements after having challenge cup weekends off, hopefully under Arthur they will be put to better use, particularly to work on attack.

The switch off periods can't be seen in isolation. It's no good saying we were doing well, on the front foot etc. apart from the 15 mins we switched off - these periods are part of the 80 mins and are costing us games. There's much to build on. The defense is much improved, line speed better, Connor gives us variety and execution, much better ends to sets, Lumb promising much, etc., but until we can focus for the full 80, both as individuals and as a unit, none of that will matter. I don't expect to win every game, but when we do lose I expect the other team to win it, rather than us beating ourselves. This isn't about basic football skills, it's mental focus, each knowing their role and sticking to it under pressure. It's a cliche but sticking to the game plan really is key. It's a simple game - yes, speed and physical strength are important, but so is mental strength. The strength not to panic, trust that when you do you role well the team benefits, trust in your teammates to do their roles well, play to the plan. It can be taught, some players may be more receptive than others of course, that's the job of the coaching staff to work that through and make decisions on that basis. It's a team game. We all like to see exciting individuals, of course we do, but ultimately a cohesive team, one that knows what it is trying to do and how each member contributes to achieving that outcome, will always win out over a period of time. 

Re ECW


It reminds me of when Brian Mc was in charge, and we made a signing he didn’t authorise, so just gave him minimal game time.


I suspect Ian Blease brought him in without much input from Brad.


BTW, this sites now a complete unworkable mess.

I've never seen a player blow a chance of a contract extension as quickly as Lisone. What a waste of time he's been. Frawley at least offers professionalism and consistency within the obvious limitations of his abilities. It's crystal clear that both need to leave next year, but I wouldn't be too fussed if Lisone went tomorrow.