Looking at the positives with the season two thirds in, despite the expected mid season slump we are in 2nd position just one point behind the leaders and 3 points clear of the chasing pack.

We have proven with our early season form that we can defend and also have the backs to challange any team. Considering we have been without one of our key pivotal players and best attackers (Burrow who should be back in a couple of weeks) during this slump and until recently Aiton, plus several players suffering loss of form (Sinfield, Briscoe, Watkins and various forwards) we are not in a bad place.

The injured are begining to return and their absence has allowed Walters, young Ward and young Briscoe the chance to prove they can be real challengers for places which is the best motivation for the first choices.

We have Hardaker to return plus the untried Yates and importantly the team and coaches have plenty of improvement to work on. So we should be looking for improvement week on week as we start to up the intensity again and aim to peak again in time for the Cup semi and the run in to the playoffs.

Lots to look forward to

Re. Andy Yates, out for the season according to League Express. Picked up another injury playing for Hunslet

i have not seen a loss of form from Watkins just a lack of quality ball to him

TBF on that one I think Briscoe and Sutcliffe would've stopped it but Briscoe gets Sutcliffe's forearm right in his mush and drops off the tackle and gets a bloody nose for his troubles.

Not so much a loss of form as such, but he was quiet on Sunday and it's not all the doing (or lack of) by his teammates. He has games where he seems content to blend in rather than go looking to make something happen. Even Hall for example came in a position or two at times in the 2nd half looking for work. Hardaker is another player whether he's at FB or when he's been at centre he'll get himself involved, he won't wait for the game to find him.

Criticism of Bailey based on yesterday's game is laughable. Nobody is saying he was like Peacock but he did put in a good effort, he was a rare vocal presence on the pitch too in a team short of a few leaders and experienced guys.....especially in the 1st half during that period Peacock was off, we only had McGuire, Ablett, Delaney and Bailey as real experienced leaders out there.

And Gary Verity from TdF Yorkshire was there and yet the question was still not asked to him during half time! Honestly, with such things why don't they check out the feasibility BEFORE announcing the plan to try and do it?

Shame. At least we know the "best climber" jersey is more important from a copyright perspective than the "overall leader" one now!

I expect it's difficult for the organisers to claim copyright over the use of yellow as a design, whereas red polka dots are at least a design.
I wonder where the Red spotted hanky website stands on that?

Not sure if its been noted but Bailey got stuck into Escare which lead to the Moon interception try. Im not his biggest fan but thought he did well on Sunday.