Quote: SmokeyTA "i think the important thing we need to keep in perspective is we did get to the CC final and within 40minutes of old trafford. That shows to me we are still one of the best teams in this league'"
Indeed, and when we turned out at Wembley we were handed our Arris. Similarly, on Saturday we were still competing for the full 80, but were unable to put a score on the board for over an hour of play! Yes, we are still one of the top 4, but we no longer enjoy the feeling, that no matter what,that we could score a try from anywhere on the pitch.
Quote: SmokeyTA "
People seem to be thinking that our players will be year older and a year worse, but they will play fewer games, Mcguire and Peacock will get a full rest and pre-season which is something neither have had for years (i understand they are injured by the start of preseason next year their rehab will be focussed on building up to contact and the twisting/turning of the knee, they will still be able to do fitness work) It is just as likely that we see them both come back revatilised and even better next year than this.'"
We can certainly hope so. However ruptured knee ligaments is a serious injury, and it is not a given that either will recover 100 percent. Fingers crossed for quite a while I reckon.
Quote: SmokeyTA "
We have lacked at times and come up short, but we need to be at our very very best to win the big games, and without Mcguire, Peacock, and at times Sinfield, Burrow and Webb it would have always taken an outstanding effort for us to do so. We play a game which is based on support running, we dont grind them out with five drives and a kick like Wigan we offload and take risks, with these players not playing together all that much, it was always going to take time for them to gel like they have for the past three years.
This run in we have had a half fit Ali, A 15min from Bailey, no burgess and no Peacock but have still done ok.
A fully fit Ali will be like a new player, we will have a fully fit bailey, Burgess returning and a rested Peacock up front, not to mention a year older and year wiser from Ambler, Clarkson and Pitts. '"
I'm trying to think when was the last time we had a fully fit Ali. That strapping on his leg appears to be a permanent fixture this last couple of years. Likewise Bailey, another guy who needs surgery. Clarkson has done very well this year, and I expect him to develop over the coming seasons. Being put on his ass a couple of times by Prescott will have hurt his pride, and he will no doubt work on his tackling technique.
Quote: SmokeyTA "
Next season we clearly need someone to replace Eastwood, a similar player in a similar mould. If we can do that I think we are strong in the pack.'"
24 year old Kiwi Internationals are a bit thin on the ground, but I suspect GH is already looking!
Quote: SmokeyTA "
for the centres, i have no real problem with either Delany or Senior, both as good as anything out there in SL really, maybe they are a bit similar but Watkins should get more game time next year and he is a real prospect, its good that both Delany and Senior can cover the 2nd row as it should open up slots for Watkins.'"
For me, neither have set the heather on fire this year at centre, and possibly their future is in the back row. I'd like to see that for a couple of games anyhow, as I don't think our pack frightens anybody.
Quote: SmokeyTA "
Our Wingers are among the best in the League IMO, Smith and Hall will do fine'"