Quote Rob Wire="Rob Wire"As a team we looked shattered last week, we also looked the same during that first 40 mins. I think it was a case of getting our second wind in the 2nd half which lifted us for a bit, it was still well below what were capable of.
I think its a combination of quite a few factors rather than just one thing, wembley and all the build up during the week plus the game itself probably took a lot out of us, i'd imagine its hard to come back down to earth after that sort of week both physically and mentally.
I also think were a worse side for having Clarke in the team, thats just my own opinion. His defence can be unconvincing at times, he offers us little more than basic rugby league, a simple left or right pass which isn't very hard for the oppsoition to read.
Were a much quicker and slicker team with Monaghan at 9 and Higham as the impact hooker, thats the way it will always be. Considering wetre a side that likes to throw the ball around we need quick thinking players in the side that will have a go at the opposition, Clarke rarely does that and certainly not at any pace.
I just don't think you can accomodate all 3 of our hookers in the same side, i know it worked at wembley but that was a case of the whole club was up for that final, we were never going to be beaten as a team that day regardless of who started at 9 and who started at 7. Clarke was actually pretty quiet during that final, we went up a gear when Higham came on.
It wouldn't suprise me to see the JC fan club pop up at some point defending him as thats the norm if anyone tries to have an opinion against him.
Its my opinion and i'll stick with it.'"
While not agreeing with your opinions of individuals, I agree with the sentiments. Monas must be played at 9 rather than 7. If there was a problem with Myler's fitness/attitude then Bridge in the halves with Briers, if no problem then Myler needs to play. Playing Monas at 7 worked twice when Myler would have been targetted in the big Cup games, but when we needed inspiration off the bench he has been in the stands.
3 hookers can't play - but who to drop is a tricky one. Higham was our weakest player at Wembley I thought, but best last night. I maintain Higham & Monas are too similar to play rotating hookers but respect others think differently.
Solomona didn't look right in the final & I think his back has troubled him since. Maybe why he was 18th man last night - but who would people have been happier with as late replacement last night before kick off, Solomona or Mitchell?
