We need more aggression in defence, need to keep a line and learn how to slide across properly, it is an urgent priority that we get somebody in and work on them fast. Anybody who gets anywhere near our 20 is guaranteed 4 points as it stands at the moment. And when i think back at the times when Bradford could defend sets of 6's on our line for fun..... jeez times have changed.

Yeah Leeds in 2003 at Cardiff, we kept them out for fun

Joe was the original gentle giant - lovely bloke, but I doubt his character is what we need right now. We need someone who will rollock the hell and put the fear of god into them.

A Karl Harrison type figure would be ideal - I know he won't come back for a number two job, but there must be someone around like him who can be brought in.

I don't see what St.Hilaire brings to the table behind closed doors, so it's hard to comment on his and Franny Cummins capabilities as it is as easy to comment on the players.

We need some sort of leader within the club, Potter needs to do this really, but I get the impression he's not that kind of personallity having heard him speak privately and publicly.

A lot comes down to the players and the leadership group that exists. If they're all feeling sorry for themselves then it's only going to rub off on the rest of the squad. How do you correct that? Hard to say, but based on Twitter feeds, the guys know it's not happening, but seem a little resigned to it which is most worrying.

I was under the impression that LSH was the defensive coach!!! if he is not why have we still got him as the defence has been appalling for the past 3 years at least.

Who is to say he is not telling the players exactly what to do, and the same messages and techniques that Potter has seen in other clubs and simply the players are not doing as told?

Can St.Hilaire be blamed for that? Partly, maybe, but ultimately, Mr Potter has to add more influence in that regards and will make the decisions on who stays and who goes.

MP was not at Bradford last year and the defence was just as bad then

That is true, but that does not mean that St.Hilaire is the problem.

He may be the problem, that is true, but as nobody here sees what goes on in training it's hard to point the blame at the assistant/s.

Potter (and Macca) ultimately have the responsibility on the defensive coaching. At the looks of it, either the players don't listen, or we haven't changed techniques / systems.

I must admit I was surprised that LSH didn't go when McNamara did, I can see Potter trying to get his own team together next season.

Potters options for improving discipline and giving the players a kick up the proverbial are limited at the moment given he can't drop anyone. Nobody is playing for a position as theres noone pushing them for a place.

I'm sick of hearing it myself but it doesn't make it any less true, the number of injuries and to who are killing us. No consistancy in the team and partnerships and Potter has no options to stamp his authority by dropping players.

Defence is all about working as a unit and we are still a team where people don't know the people they are playing with.

Personally I think LSH was lucky to retain his position, but did so purely because he was all that was left at the club coaching wise once Macca had gone, and Potter still had commitments with St Helens.

Somebody was needed to look after the players who came back in October and LSH got that job.

Based on the fact that many of the players are making the same mistakes and there seems to be complete confusion in the defence throughout all the players I am inclined to think its a couching issue and the system isn't working. Most of the players seem completely lost and players who are normally defensively sound are being completey exposed.

Obviously the players need to shoulder some of the responsibilty (missed tackles etc) but I feel the issue goes deeper than the players just not doing what they are told.

One thing that springs to my mind is that they obviously train as a defending team and an attacking team, one vs the other. Based on what we've seen in our attack, we probably look good defensively in training!

sorry i know its only a typo but i think you hit the nail on the head.it is certainly a couching issue as most of them are sat on their backsides.

take them team building to build rafts or something. that will help.

Make your mind up Mike - it was Paintballing the other day...!

The way our players are getting injured I don't think paintballing would be the best idea!

That would seem to be close to the truth but it's time for LSH to walk or be shown the door as the pally pally attitude with the players isn't helping to stop the rot.

I think we've been vulnerable, especially if the opposition spread the play or in broken play, for a number of years now. Whilst I wouldn't expect the changes to be instant, Potter must have been aware of the problem when he came and I would have expected the defence to be stronger than it has been... surely it would have been the main focus pre-season?

If LSH is our defensive coach questions have to be asked. The feeling I get is that the club tried to keep some consistancy from last season to this and that they try to keep the same defensive set up from one season to the next as well as from the senior squad to the juniors... Why you would stick with something that obviously hasn't work though I can't say...

This rather says it all.

push the line up and drift(no crazy mofo running out of the line!!!), the whole line has to move, with players pushing from the inside, this forces their attack to step back in and BANG the players pushing from the middle hit them....simple as!

Spot on about the defensive attitude. Mick Potter has brought in a new defensive system and totally revamped the marker system as well which is implemented right through out all the age groups at bulls. I know this through other coaches involved with bulls

Which has resulted in ... us getting hammered for not being square.

Pretty much mate yeah, so there is 2 options be patient and wait for it to click and players to adjust or cut our losses and try change it again half way through the season when we have a she load more areas to also work on

Christ, I'm sorry, but if it really is the case that the players have not learnt a "new" defensive technique in what 6 months, then there really is no hope.

Well I suppose Andrew Bennet could try and get a sponsorship from a Swiss Cheese Manufacturer!

I did suggest that MP re enforces the Defensive line with judicious use of Cattle Prods during Training!

The Defensive Line was as bad as was when we played at Stains last year and no Worrincy to blame this time!

The Senior Players are not taking enough responsibility on the field of play and the youngsters are getting caught out, same as last year!

Its a defensive STRUCTURE not a technique there trying to play split and chase marker system. And in line there tryin t bring up the edges but the guys in the middle arnt pulling across fast enough leaving holes for attackers to push through