Good post, a lot of fans seem a little obsessed about the size of the pack and where impact is going to come from, where as at the moment that is the least of our problems. Last season we out muscled many packs only to ripped apart by the opposing teams using the backs. Playing straight up the middle isn't going to work this year and the sooner McNamara realises that the better.

At the weekend going forward we looked lost, which as others have said is partly due to the new signings not yet gelling, that said at times there was no runners, no support and generally no ideas, all of which has nothing to do with the new players.

As for the defence it was very poor, players constantly out of position and general lack of understanding between players. This better get sorted and sorted soon, we were lucky to only lose by 12 points on Friday and if we don't address the problems it's going to be a long long season.

I expect a different display at the weekend, less errors and a better understanding between the players, roll on the weekend.

There is a certain irony to this! www.saintsrlfc.com/news/2287

There is a certain irony to this! www.saintsrlfc.com/news/2287

after watching one competative game i think a lot are getting too carried away in saying we dont have the go forward up the middle. you have to bare in mind that we were up against the best defence of last year and most teams will not defend as well as huddersfield did on friday. as far as the saints game goes i really cant judge knowing what saints are like after coming back after a defeat rather worries me. in my years of watching rugby like many bradford fans will know never ever right off the force of the stains

Apparantly one or two fans on the Saints board think we only have 4 decent players and they will still easily win. I still haven't recieved a reply as to which 4 are decent players

I still think we're underdogs. I fear there may be a backlash following their turgid performance versus Hull. Saints have a few issues and aren't the side of old but on paper they're still a much better side than us.

A lot depends on how we iron out our problems this week and if Saints have a heap of injuries to go with their othe problems.

Think this will be a belter next week, gutted it's not on TV as I won't be able to make it.

Big game - whichever side wins will get a lot from it. Another loss and the pressure starts building.

Despite the group suicide over on the Saints board, I fancy us to kickstart our season provided Graham plays. If he misses out, we're in big trouble. He really is that important to us.

"Group suicide"

TBH we're in a similar situation here only that expectations are perhaps a bit more realistic over here. Saints are on paper still the second best side in the league once they find some form. The front row may be lacking without Graham but you still have a decent pack. Look at how Saints won last year at Odsal with much the same team. I expect a similar result with it being neck and neck for 20mins then if Potter brings on a fresh Puletua and Faasavalu we'll have no answer for the next 20mins and that period will be the difference.

As for us a lot depends on if we learn to attack with more variation and sort our goalline and ruck defence. If we can stay in touch while their impact players are on we're in with a shout.

very good point from bullseye

Many, if not most, of the Saints fans bemoaning our style of play at present are those who remember the Saints of the 1980s as well as the recent Saints, when we couldn't win a bar of chocolate and big names went to Wigan. It's a style that we have grown up with and our dads and granddads have grown up with. Cas and Wire can play a similar style - open, creative RL which can be risky but is so good to watch. Big talents like Lyon are not needed for it. Appropriate coaching is. The big talents would enhance it, obviously. Why didn't Potter set Eastmond free on Saturday night to carve up the opposition with his footwork and ball skills? Instead, he was plonked at first receiver every time, passing the ball to Pryce every time. That has to be a coaching decision but one which will culminate in the flair being snuffed out of Eastmond, not encouraged to grow.


But that's the tripe we've been watching since about June time and that's why Saints fans are whinging more than usual!

So can I.