Flanagan and Jowitt not good enough. That defensive "effort" on Wilde was abysmal. I'm not sure why the coach persists with Flanagan. Jowitt isn't good enough to be back up for Gaskell.

Very poor and predictable rugby today. Kicking game was abject. We need Gaskell back ASAP.

Agree Bullseye. Flanagan came on and looked like he was in treacle trying to slide in the defensive line. Jowitt isn't good enough for HB as you say. May have him as interchange Hooker to spell Souter. I don't know whether EOC is treating the cup games like a pre-season, but playing Souter first 60 then having Flanagan on for last 20 (, when games are won and lost) isn't working.

The injury to Doro proves that being knocked out isn't the worst outcome long term, but that performance was really really poor.

I was hoping for a turnaround after last week's disappointing final 15/20 mins against the Cougars. Unfortunately, it was déjà vu all over again as the Bulls delivered yet another lacklustre and uninspiring performance.

From the opening whistle, it was fairly evident that the we were plagued by the same issues that haunted us in the final quarter against the Cougars. Lethargy seemed to permeate every aspect of our game, with sluggish attacking play and a lack of urgency apparent throughout the game. Credit to Widnes who defended extremely well throughout the game. It's also concerning that we played a quarter of the game with an extra man but still looked inept near their line.

We struggled to make any meaningful progress, often resorting to predictable plays that were easily snuffed out by the opposing defenders. Poor decision-making (WTF was Appo thinking) and a lack of cohesion further hampered our ability to generate any scoring opportunities. We missed Gaskell massively today and as soon as Souter left the field we lost one of our only attacking players. Jowitt's try was very well taken but apart from that he offered very little and gave away 2 silly penalties early in the game.

Our tackling was particularly sloppy, with missed tackles proving costly as the Vikings capitalised on our defensive lapses.

In terms of individual performances, there were few standout players for the Bulls. Despite some flashes in the opening 15 mins from some key players, overall, it was a disjointed and unconvincing display.

A bad day at the office.

We need some strke power in the backs. Apart from McGowan we looked really sluggish. No halfback creation at all and how Jordan got MOM I dont know, I think his dad must have picked it. Davies our best player by a country mile.
Another penalty fest.

Poor performance that, I have reserved judgement in all games so far but I'm starting to be a bit concerned of what I'm seeing under EO. I can't see an identity of what he wants from the team. I know it's early days and no way am I calling for his head already but what we have served up in games so far hasn't been great.

Also for what we have assembled as a squad I Still think we're really lacking in a lot of areas for depth and quality. Speed/pace and strike is the main one, sever lack of that in this squad. Back up in the halves if Gaskells out where doomed. It's a shame Dan Moss got injured as these last 2 games would have been ideal to see what he would bring. Flair and creativity seriously lacking as well. I still question bringing back Hallas, GF is gone and not good enough either Ill disciplined. The team look lethargic and a bit unfit as well, I know we've lost S&C staff and physios recently and not sure if we have replaced them. But considering the pre season games and early cup games we look abit off still. It felt alot John Kear esq today.

EO needs to put his stamp and own DNA on the team and quick as mentioned I'm struggling to see any improvements. Dreading the Wakefield game.

Yeah we seem to have regressed compared with how we were performing in the latter half of last season. It's early days though so I'm keeping my powder dry on the coach for now.

We are missing Blackmore and Scurr for go forward and Gaskell for organisation. Put those three back jn the side and we should be much improved.

It's hardly an injury crisis though and with the rules on head contact will mean we will have to deal with suspensions and players sitting out under HIA etc. There are glaring gaps in the squad that we aren't going to fill with dual reg, perhaps a couple more loans are being relied upon to fill out the squad.

Can't see Gaskell not having some injuries so I fear it could become a reoccurring issue as the season unfolds.

I agree we need better cover at halfback. As you say Gaskell can pick up an injury and isn't a spring chicken. It's also clear we're missing Tom Holmes badly, last year he provided a lot of the spark we're missing now. I like McGowan but he's not in Holmes's class yet.

With Doro and Scurr not in the line up we look a bit light at prop, thought Lawrence looked a bit ponderous today.
Hopefully we can get Corey Johnson on a long loan now we are out of the CC.
This is a season too far for Flanagan.
Hallas is ok defensively but offers little variation in attack.
Jowitt undoubtedly has talent but in which position I’m not sure, defensively he is poor at times, 2 high shots in first 5mins, and poor effort for 1 Widnes try.
Sounds like there is/has been sickness in the camp which may explain the lack lustre display.

I can't understand why our forwards went into contact and never sought to get the ball away. Even when we had to score we never deviated from barge barge barge. I found it pretty concerning on the whole.

Apart from Doro hardly anyone looks to offload.

We look very limited and that's a big worry. Under Kear and Dunning it was very similar without much as mentioned deviation in our play. You need to ask alot more questions of defences. If when Gaskell is out we only have the back up we do were in trouble as he will miss more games throughout the season. Its the genuine lack of speed and strike for me. Looking at the signings we look like that 5 tries and a kick team and barge over from 10-20 metres out. We don't look fit either and I don't believe some of the signings were right for us. We lost Bodene Thompson early last year but started the season, Jason Batieri, Fenton Rogers, Jack Walker left early and was injured almost immediately. Tom Holmes obviously going through what he is. So those players mentioned are for me of better quality than what we've brought in for me heard all sorts about Dan Smith just being big and lazy, Sam Hallas brings little for me, John Davies has and will be good. Just feel we have gone a bit backwards. Just hope EO can put is Mark on the team and hopefully its a style alot better than we've seen. It's mad to say as well. I still think we need wingers, half back cover, hooker cover, and fullback, and a LF in the modern game a good mobile ball playing Loose forward who can mix it up physically as well is crucial.

It's early days but the warning signs are there for all to see. I'm getting the vibe that the club are holding out for some loan players from SL, let's hope those deals are agreed in principle because we need an injection of quality before Wakefield stick 60 past us in a few weeks time.

Before that we also have the return of Dec Patton in Swinton colours who you would expect to have an absolute stormer against us - that'll be fun.

He is absolutely nailed on to have a blinder against us. I watched their game against Oldham last night and they were very good. Another big challenge for the Bulls. If we lose against Swinton next week that opening game against Wakefield looks ominous.

The Swinton match is an opportunity to stop the rot. We know enough about Patton to be able to nullify him but that relies on the whole team turning up and putting an 80min performance in - a bit like those in the latter part of last season.

Hopefully the game yesterday is the last we see of the complacency and lethargy that's been creeping in over the past 3-4 weeks. EOC needs to nip this in the bud now. I'm sure Noble and Greenwood will be able to advise. The frustrating thing is that this half assed approach must have been noticed even if it hasn't been acknowledged publicly.

If I see us ending sets with the same ineffective kicking game over and over again vs Swinton I'll be making my voice heard at the fans forum.