It's a bizarre phenomenon, you don't see any other RL club and it's supporters, successful or not, with such an odd mentality.

I see your point but the mention of "Toby King" seems to stir up some strange/irrational feelings from our "supporters". I write "supporters" because I am fully aware that some come on here simply to stir the pot & see the reaction.

Name names ...

Well I was one of the ones questioning the cryptic comments on King. I can assure you there was no intention to stir any pot, and I don't have any problem with [iany[/i individuals on a personal level. I just found it strange given King's history with Powell, and questioned whether we'd be better persevering with motivated local young talent instead (as Burgess has hinted at pre-season) if it turns out King isn't 100% Wire-focussed.

Of course, if I misinterpreted the comments in the post-match interview then I'll be the first to put my hand up and admit to it (and apologise).

Ahh it’s the annual saints aren’t very good and Warrington are better thread. We’ve had this every year since rlfans started. In that time saints have won about 8 grand finals and Warrington a big fat zero

Took your time

I fear saints defence will be too much for us.

You've not read any of the tĥread then.

And that is still less than the number of aliases you get through in a year.

Whether it will be too much for us time will tell, but I agree with you and others on this thread that the Saints attitude and commitment to defence does define this current team.

I caught up with the Leigh v Wigan game and thought that Wigan also had that same quality. I know that it's too simplistic to put it all down to effort, there has to be a structure and a confidence in your mates.

What stood out for me was that they both push the boundary of line speed v getting pinged for offside and seem quite happy to play the odds of conceding a penalty as it gives them a chance to reset even if they have to rely on goal line defence, which is usually top drawer.

Aggressive rather than the passive we played under Powell every time for me.

I read your post…

And you in essence spelt out “conspiracy” but pronouncing it contradictory!

Saints defend with a very compressed line. To break them down you need to get the odd quick play the ball and, when you do, you have to get the ball wide quickly and stretch them out. That's what Salford managed to do, admittedly against 12.

Their defence is borderline offside for virtually every play the ball and as such is very vulnerable to a short kick behind it.

Hayes (If he plays?....He should IMHO) and Williams both have very good short kicking games, so we should be looking to utilise them.

https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/sa ... -cup-clash No Musgrove Doubtful Currie Philbin & King should be Available

https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/sa ... -cup-clash No Musgrove Doubtful Currie Philbin & King should be Available

No Vaughan, Musgrove and Currie - going to be extremely tough. Their bog of a pitch isn't going to help either.