Great stuff. When we are up for it and our key men are playing, we now look a class above. The gulf between us and Sheffield, who are no mugs, was clear to see.

If the first half pass to O'Brien had stuck, and finished off another great try, then the score could have been anything. We hit a purple patch at that point.

Also, whilst the reffing was not bad (i will abstain from comment on the so-called touch judges) the fact is that we were considerably the wrong side of most of the 50/50 calls, some ludicrous forward passes were let go, and sadly some foul play too. A very encouraging thing was that we never let any of it bother us, we just got on with it.

Mullaney off injured again


Seriously, Mullaney's injury record makes Gary Wheeler look like the man of steel.

Really impressed by our performance today. Our intensity in the first 20 minutes was very good and we were rewarded with a few quick tries. The interplay between O'Brien, Gaskell and Mullaney around the ruck was a joy to watch. In the second half we eased off a little and closed the game out well, and bagged a few tries towards the back end of the half.

I was happy with the home debuts of Ryan and Clare. Ryan took a lot of men to put down and Clare looks a solid player. Both look like great signings IMO.

All of the players in our pack did a great job, Ferguson especially for me, who made several metres after the contact every time, often with about three players trying to put him down. Crossley also did well off the bench.

Think the only change I'd make for Wakefield is Nielsen in for either Purtell or Henry.

Don't think he was injured. Think it was just precautionary. Certainly didn't seem to be limping. Think he'll be fine for Wakey.

Purtell and Blythe should not be in the 17 next week. Both were dropping off tackles which we can't afford to have happen against SL opposition. I'd bring Nielsen in for Purtell and Walshaw in for Blythe.
Other than that I'd leave the side unchanged unless Mullaney is crocked again.

A very good performance I thought.

We were profligate at times but we certainly didn't lack for ideas or enthusiasm.

I think we should hold fire on Mullaney's injury, given the fact he jogged off the pitch, it may just be a precautionary measure given he might not be 100% and given that the game was won at that point, it was sensible to rest him for next week.

This. The game was won when we took him off so hopefully just precautionary.

Purtell to make way for nielsen imo. Henry might be weak defensively but offers a bit more in attack. Mullaney looked like a precaution rather than an actual injury.

Enjoyed the match. Good defence when Sheffield started firing with their big guns. Our forwards faced them brilliantly, which meant they could not get any real momentum.

A really controlled performance. I thought Henry did ok, Gaskell is a seriously good player, with "Danger" in there thats a terrific back line we have.

Onwards then full of confidence.

There No. 11 is a bit punch happy though ... not sure why the officials did not deal with that.

Good performance. The main thing was that we looked fit and fresh, vindicating Lowes decision to ease off for the last few games. I was surprised we didn't use the opportunity to give Luauki the final 10 mins unless he was injured. Not sure we can carry a player who only contributes 15 mins.

Has Lowes explained the rationale for two interchanges in the first 5 mins of the second half? I remember Noble was keen on making interchanges in the last few mins of the first half, arguing that was when they were most needed. But why just after the half time break, unless they were injured?


Good to see us topping the table!

Purtell did enough to keep his place for me, his quick hands to put Williams in for one of his tries was very classy. He's a leader in our team and is less prone to errors than Henry and is the safer bet in my opinion. That being said I thought Henry had a decent game so it will be tough on him if he misses out to bring in Nielsen.

Our back row looks exceptionally strong and I think they all had fantastic games. Ryan got through a ton of work and has probably played himself into a spot to face his old club.

Wakefield away is going to require another big step up in intensity but I'm satisfied with what I saw today. Brian Smith it appears is whinging about the refs again this week so I hope we get a decent official for this match who won't be easily influenced by the vocal Wakefield crowd. My money is on Joe Cobb though!!

Happy with today near 80min performance which we haven't seen on ages, few errors and penalties which helped glad we kept our heads with some of the hard hits that where coming in, hopefully no injury concerns will be good.

Difficult to pick next week's team as wakey seem like no mugs and ran Salford close, we get a win and we are nearly there I think reckon 8-10pts will secure
promotion,

Also thought the red had a very good game today let them get on with it and didn't fall for play acting at the ptbs which was nice, group near me who didnt seem happy with anything he did but I was pleased for one, much better than some of the dross we've had this year that's for certain