Caro's defence was pitiful all afternoon - for such a big unit he needs to impose himself more in defence and attack.

I'd always go Campbell and Smith on one wing,
Ryan and Oakes on the other.. that's if you play Thomas at Fullback.

Keeping Macani as far away from the field as is humanly possible.

With everyone fully fit, that is surely the first choice option. Anything else with current squad is nuts.

Phoenix may work his way in there if he turns out to actually exist, but having not seen him play, I couldn't possibly say if he's in or not.

Been impressed with Oakes so far so it was a surprise to see someone go around him a couple of times. I’m sure it’ll get picked up on video so it would be a useful experience for him to learn how to deal with an opponent with real pace. Oakes’s strengths seem to be his power and his step off the left foot. He’s a decent pass too and can get his winger away. I’d like to see him work on his fend as in the centres with a bit of space this can buy you valuable time and space. All the best centres I’ve seen had a good hand off (Hanley, Iro, Newlove etc, even Keith Lulia had a good one).

Haven't seen anybody complain about Oakes defence thos season until now. Was it Oakes or was it Caro?

Could it be a case of not knowing his wingman?

It was Oakes. He's been absolutely fine so far which was why I brought it up. It was in the second half when we were struggling a bit. Sheffield move the ball wide quick and he went past Oakes twice quite easily. Worth checking again when the game goes online (hopefully).

6.29 onwards for the two Sheff tries https://youtu.be/gcv2PRUD4o4?list=PLNPC ... Tsq_lvwp8k

6.29 onwards for the two Sheff tries https://youtu.be/gcv2PRUD4o4?list=PLNPC ... Tsq_lvwp8k

Not concerned with Oakes' defence in regards to those 2 tries. First one we simply numbered up badly, team issue. Second one he did get outpaced but he'd been pulled in by mis-numbering again and Spedding had a start on him. Had Caro stayed on his wingman the cover and/or full back could have taken the centre. That's my opinions anyway. Overall not too concerned.

Looking at that again it's more of a misread on the first try, Oakes got dragged in when Leon should have been taking that man. The second try was down to a lack of numbers and slow line speed, he got caught a bit flat footed and allowed Spedding to get on his outside. That said Caro really should have put the winger into the stand.

So not really down to a lack of pace just a couple of bad reads. That Spedding is quick.

How good was Bentley on his 4th try? The timing and angle of the run, the sidestep not to mention going through all that defence.

Hit the line perfectly didn't he!

Certainly did. He did that well for his first on the line too but that last one was even better.

Showed great pace to finish 2 of his tries off too as he was a quite distance out.

Yes and Spedding didn't catch him.

The only blot was when we were caught out with the try under the posts. Defence was shot and he and Wilkinson were unable to prevent the try.

Bentley's going to be a special player - he terrorised Sheffield all afternoon

If we are re-signing Dane Chisholm then I'd say thanks but no thanks to Phoenix Hunapo-Nofoa. Either or for me.

You can't miss what you haven't had and I doubt we can afford to have what seem like too many backs. I'd rather use what we have paid for, even if they are Macani, Mendeika and Halafihi.

I would guess he would have to be signed by tomorrow for him to play Friday. This is just a guess though.

Just got a txt to say Chissy has signed for us

Was it from the club?

Great news

Good source?

I've been told this too from what I believe to be a good source could play on Friday

I would presume he has been training all week if not longer?
If Lilley has gone back he will be playing over the weekend at some point I would say to at least give Leon a break.

We will need to confirm the signing today if we are wanting DC to play on Friday. Aren't the 19 man squads announced today?

Maybe their way of announcing it will simply be by naming him in the 19?

Have Sheffield officially released him yet? Surely we can't sign/announce him until they have. Maybe Sheffield are dragging their heels with it now after Sunday's result.