Well yes. But those 5 other clubs lost to teams everyone expects to be up there competing for the top 4. Catalans lost to the team most people have down as finishing bottom, and they didnt just get beat, they got crushed.

When we played them in pre season I said they looked a poor side, but didnt want to read too much into a friendly. Its still too early now to form a proper opinion on them but the evidence against them is mounting.

I disagree he underperformed badly. Yes he wasn't able to get a 4N or WC title, but then again what coach has but beat NZ a few times and had other very close matches. Given where we were before him we were certainly closer to NZ and Aus when he left than when he started and looked like a team instead of little groups based on what club you played for. Not saying he's a great coach but to say he underperformed badly is harsh.

Personally thought he was decent for England. Came up short in his first tournament. No heavy losses though. 2011 he coached us to the 4 Nations Final (outclassing NZ along the way) and yes we lost that one by 22 points fair enough (an all conquering Aussie side), a far cry from the 40 point drubbings of the middle 2000's.

2013 we were one individual mistake from getting to the WC Final. McNamara got us there and Sinfield cost us our place. Very close game against Australia as well in the opening match.

2014 should have beaten Australia if not for a controversial video ref decision with Hall's 'no-try'. Should have been given. Lost by 2 points to a class NZ side after.

2015 won the Baskerville Shield. Beat NZ twice.

He brought in the likes of Widdop, Bateman, Whitehead, Reed, Watkins, Burgess Boys etc. All (expect Reed who retired from injury) are still the first names on the team sheet.

Granted he made some questionable decisions in Chase and Heighington (even though Super Coach Bennett picked him). But overall picked a good side to compete.

I think he just ran his course. Brought England up from being 3rd best to finally competing with NZ and Australia regularly. Just needed someone who could take it to the next level. And Bennett seems to be doing that.

I was surprised by Wigans attack tbh, they looked fantastic.. Have they employed a new attacking coach?

It's only one match.

I might be saying different in a month mind you.

No, but in the second half we bought Escare on at FB, moved S.Tomkins into the halves and Powell to hooker. That is when we scored the majority of our points, and the approach we should take from the off IMO. Also, as Sadfish mentioned, Salford look very poor this year. I think things will only get worse for them when money troubles kick in, relegation is definitely a concern.