No no, they weren't poor. Look at the report on the website, they battled hard to the very end!

Without actually planning to I already did the same, even before this slump set in. I had a burst of enthusiasm at the start of the season but it's a month now since I've been to a game. The only reason I'm here now is I literally just this minute remembered there was a game yesterday and I didn't know the result.

Except, apart from the precise scoreline, you actually did know the result, and that probably sums up why so many of us are so fscked off.

Be careful though - you'll have blockhead on in a minute accusing you of "taking your bat home".

All the players came up to the North Terrace and applauded those of us that were still there after the hooter.
They looked totally dejected.

Part of the problem was that they looked like that from the moment they conceded the first try. It was like they gave up straight away.

Trouble is that after you get a few hidings you lose confidence. Things start to go downhill quickly. A losing culture starts to develop. We need experienced leaders in the pack. Without some go forward and protection for the kids we’ll be absolutely murdered in the next couple of games.

I saw someone on Twitter point out that after the second try was conceded, our captain Mr. Pryce rather than trying to keep heads up, motivating, or even giving them some hell, was stood with his hands on his knees and slumped over behind the sticks. Hardly the sort of thing a captain should be doing.

Sometimes I think criticism like that is unjust, but I'm starting to come round to agreeing with it. It's the captain's job to try and stop heads going down, and whilst it may be a nigh on impossible task at times, he could at least try.

Yesterday wasn't about our side being too young IMO I would only count Kirk & Hodgson from the line up yesterday as "kids" the rest of other lads had plenty of championship experience. 1-7 was arguably as strong as we could put out. We had 5 props. Many of
the tries we conceded yesterday were down to individual mistakes. The amount of tries Sheffield scored from a flat ball on our try line without a hand being laid on them was embarrassing. Players just completely out of position defensively. Our tackling techniques is worrying with no one seemingly able to bend their backs. Thomas's kick for their full lenghter was just abysmal. He chipped it nicely for their winger to run onto. Not once did we put in a grubber. We were obsessed with floating it up in the air. The kick-offs again, just aren't good enough. It might seem silly criticisng a kick off, but floating it up nicely for them to catch on their 15m to pass to a steaming forward lets them start their set on the 30m line.

From the side that demolished Sheffield at our place, we were missing Murrary, Larroryer & Bentley from the pack. I would only count Larroryer as experienced. I wouldn't be surprised if that side that won, was younger than the one yesterday. The team looks shot and they need to snap put of it. Not one player has come out and apologised for yesterday and promised to put it right. For me i'd have a week off. rest up and get their heads away from the game. They are in bad habits and more training will just result in them continuing bad habits. Have a week off. rest up physically and mentally. Come back next week not feeling sorry for ourselves, but with the spirit of those earlier in the season ready to roll their sleeves up, stand up, and rip in.

For me the number one issue is the mental state of the squad. Their heads just aren't in the fight at the moment.

It may seem a small thing, but even a Sheffield fan near me was laughing at it. Every time we did the same kick off, he laughed at how crap it was and how we weren't helping ourselves. One of those where you couldn't do anything but agree with him.

Confidence is clearly in short supply. Obviously due to the amount of stuffings we've had.

IIRC Murray and Bentley were two of our best when we played Sheffield at Odsal. Didn't we also have Lilley for that game?

We did indeed.

Wasn't it Keyes taking the kicks yesterday tho? Also if the tactic wasn't working, who's responsible for changing tactics mid-game?

I think now it is down to the ambition of the new owners to decide where we go from here, the young guys have done a good job in getting us where we are but heading towards the business end of the season it is obvious to all that we need some serious experience, in my own opinion if this doesn't happen before our next game then the wrong is on the wall, we the supporters are not going to be throwing anymore money away especially after yesterday, I can think of better things to do with £50 for 15 mins of so called entertainment

Also likely to need a hooker by June.

Well, it would certainly lift morale.

Unless it was that Wayne Rooney one, mind you