Agree completely. In the second half yesterday as Warrington were off-loading, moving the ball wide, playing with skill and flair, I thought: "I remember when we played like this - it was when we were coached by Tony Smith!".

We were out-played and out-coached completely and the scoreline flattered us - Smith's try should never have stood for a start. I fear that several Leeds players' careers are going/have gone backwards and are skill levels have deteriorated. McClennan's forte is supposed to be motivating but that seemed missing too yesterday. Omitting Lauitiiti was a terrible decision - I feared as much when I read the rumour on this board on Friday. We have two forwards (Eastwood and Lauitiiti) who can bust holes and create chances: one was needed as an interchange prop so the other had to play out wide. I acknowledge Clarkson's form and potential but to have him and especially Ablett (who has missed the last three matches) above Lauitiiti was a poor call. It left us with three grafting second-rowers but no-one who could make something happen. As poor a decision, if not worse, than omitting McDermott from the 2005 cup final.

Frankly, winning the cup or Grand Final would have put glossy papers over the cracks of what has been a disappointing season and we can't use injuries as the excuse for all the mediocre displays. You could count all the times we've played well for even 60 minutes of a game on the fingers of one hand - and we've played 32 matches. If we win on Saturday we'll finish 4th - our lowest position since 2002 (also 4th); if we lose (and Huddersfield beat Catalans which I would expect them to) we'll finish 6th - our lowest since the dire 1996 season (10th). And all this with what Hetherington rightly described as the best squad we've ever had.

Well that was the most one sided final I've seen in years. Warrington were outstanding, and some of the rugby they played was of the highest quality. Leeds on the other hand were never in the game and in no way deserved anything less than what they got. Not one Leeds player can hold their head high after that. But, the coaching staff for me have got the most to answer for. Yet again we persisted with the same up the middle one man rugby thats become the calling card of this team under the current regime. Apart from the Easter period in 2008 this team for the most part hasn't played anywhere near its potential IMO. Yes, we've won a couple of titles but this current side hasn't got the same steel or speed its had in previous seasons and I think the points against collum shows that. I think Blueys reign should come to an end sooner rather than later because something clearly needs to change.

I would also suggest BJB and Watkins get some proper game time next season as we have nowhere near as much speed as we've had the last few years.

Couldn't agree more. I was actually both surprised and disappointed when his contract was renewed for another year.
Yesterday's performance was predictable and heartless. We lacked innovation and showed very little desire.

That's exactly what you get when you let a contract include a clause about only one party being able to extend the contract without the agreement of the other party. It's the first piece of naive contract negotiation I remember from GH, but hopefully one he will learn from.

I have it on very good authority from an ex coaching staff member that Leeds wanted rid of Bluey at the end of the season, but he chose to utilise the clause which allowed him to extend for another 12 months. Now that BMD is coming on board for 2011, I think we can all see who Bluey's replacement will be, and having spoken to BMD on a number of occasions during his last stint with Leeds, I'm quite happy that he will be an improvement. He learnt a lot from TS about doing the small details, which he couldn't necessarily use at Quins due to the playing roster he has had there, but look at the number of younger English players that have either been blooded or have improved under him. Not that many Leeds players have improved so much under Mr McClennan.

Reading the report on the game in the Mail today, one stat is telling.

Leeds Clean Breaks - 0.

The Brett Delaney who offered more go forward in the middle of the field than any of our pack did. He repeatedly pushed defenders backwards and made hard yards - that wasn't happening anywhere else.

The first try was an error of judgement and he clearly (wrongly) hoping for Smith to come for it. 4 - 0 shouldn't have been a disaster for us

:2qc2emt8]

Have I got the wrong end of the stick? Or are you a fan who isn't satisfied by winning titles? Brilliant. Obviously in your mind there's something greater to aim for than being crowned 'champions' - but what? Not sure it gets much better than that? But I could be wrong...I'm going to have a go and see if I can get what you mean...

Yes, we've won a couple of titles but.....it would have been better if we wore nice socks.

Yes, we've won a couple of titles but.....it would have been better if the team had done it blindfolded.

Yes, we've won a couple of titles but.....I'm never going to be satisfied cos I'm a whino.

honestly. i think you're a little bonkers. Probably in a nice way. But bonkers. ""Apart from the Easter period in 2008 this team for the most part hasn't played anywhere near its potential IMO. Yes, we've won a couple of titles but.....'"

This. I thought he ran hard (and straight) with some good angles. Probably our best back (which doesn't say much, mind).

All Warrington did was come in quickly out wide and force us up the middle where they were strong and we were weak.it wasn't exactly tactical genius from smith. The fault lies with bluey,and the players,to not have the tactical nous to overcome this . For me only burrow and Eastwood turned up.a fantastic weekend ruined by an inept display

It wasn't.

Neither was 8-0. We were 8-0 down in last years grand final.

The gamebreaking try was the atkins one that took it to 14-0.

At 8-0, we could have regrouped at half time, come out 2nd half, one try it's game on.

But then ian kirke? was brushed aside like some 120lb deeb, a rag doll. Unacceptable.

Someone else,maybe hall?, was just as culpable. Kirke was dire but he wasn't alone

Agree a ruthless coach who studied the game overcame an all round good bloke who's motivational "we're all in this together" speech didnt work this time.

Agree in part tad as I think you miss out Delaney who other than his error for the first try did a lot of towing it up the middle when 2nd rowers went awol.

I thought Burrow was awful with ball in hand. No worse than Sinfield, Buderus, Webb or many others but not half as dangerous as McGuire and certainly not one of our better players