Silverwood was hardly noticeable on Sunday – a good sign. That didn’t stop him getting a load of abuse when he walked off though but some fans just use half time as an opportunity to vent their week’s frustrations.

I can’t bear Eddie and Stevo. The contrast with the NRL coverage is huge. They don’t bang on about decisions half as much there. Nor do they feel the need to have a ref in the commentary team. I think the concentration on the ref has been blown out of all proportion on Sky and detracts from the rest of the game.

Back in the days of Uncle Ray French he might have questioned a decision but would then move on “as he is the final arbiter”.

Speaking of Cummings I think he does a good job. He doesn't go out of his way to back up the officials, but if he would be allowwed to stick to his role of just explaining rules and rulings, that bit is fine. It's where the comedy trio start calling on him to validate their frequent rants at perceived mistakes that it starts to grate.

Given that most fans seemingly don't understand half the rules, as an educational tool and as a means of underlining how, actually, the officials do know a shedload more than your average whingeing fan or commenter, that part of the job could be good for the game. Instead though they seem afraid to leave him alone for long spells, instead getting the urge to involve him in comments every two minutes, even on the most banal stuff.

I think Cummings' dry, measured approach works well too.

Steady on FA, I think you may need to "ease" off lad!

No ref slamming from me, I was just suggesting I recall someone having a stinker last weekend so thought it could be plausible... If he is in fact in charge Thursday then my suggestion would incorrect.

Back to the squad... I would like to see Thomas given another run out.

Yeah, preferably at scrum half - but I can't see it.


And with respect to our front row, Jimmy has already used Olbison at prop a couple of times this season (as eccleshillbull said), so maybe my previous post about Lauaki potentially returning is wide of the mark.

Junior swaps for Oldham away ..... Just take their season ticket with you is the advice I got today from the shop.....

Hope you enjoy yourselves in the Bridge on sunday.
For those coming by car, get here early. There is limited parking near the ground and a small car-park at it.
The Social Club is cheap and cheerful and is the reason Celtic are letting Oldham share the ground - so they can get the cash to pay for a new one!
There is an Indian restaurant at the ground that does pre and post match specials. You lot may be more discerning but it isn't bad and is very friendly. It also has a separate Bar..
As for Beer, well you can't do wrong although it's a good 15 minute walk uphill to the ground from the nearest Pub.

If you're coming by Train, the best Pub in Stalybridge ( and one of the best anywhere ) is on platform 1 at Stalybridge Railway station. You can get a bus to Bower Fold outside the station on the other side of the road - 236/237 to Glossop.
Next to the station is the Q (real ale) then the Fleece which has been adopted by the Roughyeds fans and has cheap pies but no real ale, before the White House (real ale) comes next.
Taxi or Bus - you friendly landlord/lady should be able to call you a cab and it'll cost £3-4.
Wetherspoons is at the top of Melbourne St and you can call there en-route from the ones listed above.
There is the British Protection across from Tesco and up Acres Lance, the Hunters, a bit cliquey but good beer and TV sport and next to it is the Organ.

At the ground, you lot have been allocated the Lord Tom Pendry stand (seated) and I believe, if you choose to stand, you will be able to move ends at HT as at Batley (which is quite similar to BF as it happens)

So enjoy Bower Fold and your visit to the Bridge.

Going back to the referee situation briefly, apparently George Stokes has retired from being a referee. Might go some ways to explain us having Hicks at the weekend.

Yet another ref bites the dust... I worry about the state of refereeing at the moment! Then again i'm not surprised. When i was younger (apx 10yrs ago, im 24 now) i was in the junior match officials program and it was a total ph. Cliquey, badly organised and not very informative; they didnt make it easy for people to have an interest in it! I never had aspirations of going pro or anything; only did it as i'd knackered my knee and couldnt play anymore so it was a way to keep in the game! The RFL training sessions and local society meetings (a gathering of 50+'s in the back room of a club) was enough to put anyone off!

On a different note; I hope Oldham ahve had the covers on the pitch!

Clough Fleming and Thomas replace Sidlow Walker and Purtell.
Very pleased to see Clough in the squad.
Will Thomas play at full back , at centre or in the halves?

think purtell is a planned omission as he did that charity swim this weds iirc. Don't think Thomas has played centre before?. Would guess at Blythe or mellor filling in at centre.

Be interesting to see how Jimmy goes. Think Blythe and Mathers are lucky to have kept their spots. Surprised O'Brien is doing 80 again, thought he had his worst game in a Bulls shirt last week.

O'Brien passing could be better. Can't see much hope for Halafihi however.

That's more to do with the fact that we lost every single collision last week. Even Cameron Smith would have struggled to make an impact with that kind of ruck speed.
I don't see why we can't have Thomas on the bench as a replacement hooker, and then have him and Addy swap roles when in the defensive line.

There is no need for O'Brien to be playing 80 minutes against Oldham! Not suggestion Oldham are mugs but if Vila or Lumb can't get a spot in the squad against Oldham that is concerning.

Or even Baile.... He was good enough to play in the MPG