Individual absences had nothing to do with the Grand Final loss. We were beaten by a better organised and more enthusiastic side, and frankly the score flattered us.

It will/would be nice to have half-backs again, though.

I don't know how anyone can argue that having your two international half backs out injured does not have an impact on ANY result, let alone a GF.

Ordinarily I'd agree, and I'm sure it would have been helpful to have had them in the side, if only for Kyle's kicking game, but we were so inferior in the pack in the GF that Pryce and Eastmond would have been up against a brick wall anyway (and no doubt loads of folk on here would be banging on about them going missing in big matches).

Finally, something sensible.

Well, I don't think I made that comment. I said we would have had a 50:50 chance. Without our halfbacks we were highly unlikely to win given Wigan's strong defence (which was determined to keep out our attempts to barge the line, pretty much our only way of scoring tries for the last third of the season), fit squad, overall ability and tactically astute coach (such a contrast to ours). It was frustrating for Saints fans because we'd done so well to get there without our halfbacks and with so many injuries (35 separate incidents over the season, some season-long).

I'm not 'making excuses' for anyone; that's just childish. I'm stating a fact. Without Deacon and Leului (never can spell his name) you wouldn't have been as effective at the Grand Final. No RL fan with even half a brain would deny that.

a quick question-

are you sending a team to play york this weekend? their official site is down and looking for some details?

I doubt it mate, we've a friendly against widnes on Sunday

The under 20's i think.

very true!!!!

Makes it an even better game!!!

Can't wait for Cardiff!!!!

And if you really want to pee us off get Bentham to referee.