I hope we find this sooner or later
I have seen no real evidence of it all season

McLennan doesn't want to hurt players feelings though so Diskin will never be dropped for these games.

Probable 'numpty' question here.
Is there likely to be a problem getting a ticket if I turn up on Friday without one?
(Don't live in the north and to order a ticket from Wire shop costs extra dosh for guarrentteed delivery etc)

We have posters on here that would pick a team under that criteria too. I do hope a first class international coach is not so stupid as to work under that criteria.

Yeah.

He only really comes good in really, really, big games

i.e. Grand Finals.

Pah.

Ball retention & discipline are the key factors.

How? You could have perfect ball retention and discipline throughout the match however if you let in a try every time the opponent gets near your try-line they count for FA.

Doesn't stop them being key factors though

It seems pretty unlikely. Which would suggest that McClennan sees something in Diskin's play that is being missed by some of the fans.

He said 'THE' key factors suggesting they were the most important. I never said they weren't important but they are not the top priority IMO.

Shocker!!!!!!!!

Because if you constantly turn the ball over early in the tackle count & give away field position through penalties you end up doing the majority of the tackling which causes fatigue leading to more & more defensive errors. Plus you're more likely to be defending nearer to your own line.
I'm sure you knew that really.
If not...

I'm slightly concerneed re: Ali as he seems to be picking up niggling injuries on a more regular basis.

TVOC will no doubt have the stats but these last two seasons he seems to play a few,miss a few,play a few and so on.

Not good news for us obviously and also not great news for Ali himself given he's out of contract.

I know all Rhinos fans would love to keep a fully fit Ali as when he is fit and on form there is no better sight (well not on a Rugby field ) than his destructive runs and outrageous handling and offloads.

Are these injuries though going to effect any contract offer he is made by the club?

I still fail to see how they could be considered more important than defense. These factors could contribute to conceding points but not always. However, without a good defense you definitely will conceded points.

Doesn't hurt that given the position he plays he's usually at least five yards ahead of the kicker on long kicks downfield, does it?