I think even that much is unfair on them. Atkins was put under tremendous pressure from the Saints defence - the last throw (the one in front of Riley) was a desperate offload as he was spun around in the tackle. Every time the ball went wide to the left (did it ever go right?) there were at least as many Saints players with them, right in their faces - we just didn't do enough to try and create an overlap.

I'd be surprised if all 3 forwards weren't mentioned in the 19.

From a Saints point of view I think the Atkins thing has been over played somewhat.

The first one that went into touch was down to the tackle from the Saints player. The Saints players arms where on Atkins arms so he could not get the ball away cleanly.

The 2nd one could have been down to either of them and the 3rd, well at that point Wire where chasing the game and you try pretty much anything to get back into it.

Will Tony Smith not be rotating his team? You don't want to burn your players out before the big game at Langtree Park the following week.

I saw five bombed tries that during the season have been scored no matter what the pressure.
It's a mistake to think Warry are done.

I don't remember them all, but I do remember that Saints were all over that left edge whenever the ball went that way, more so than any other game we played this year. I wonder if there was any psychological impact from that, actually - perhaps Riley overran because Atkins slowed down, seeing the defence flying at him?

Definitely agree with that last bit though. With no disrespect to the excellent Saints performance, I'm sure we've played better than that this season, and we've definitely played less nervously. We didn't look prepared for a Saints playing much better than they have all season, and now we're expecting it I hope we are ready to cope. Obviously we still have to beat Hull, but we should be able to do that and then Wigan aren't likely to pick us (I love that Wigan and Saints fans are both quietly suggesting that maybe the other would prefer playing us, so they don't have to!), so the most likely course is Langtree Park in a week and a half. We'd better be ready to up the pace, and if we're lucky that unprecedented performance might have taken its toll on Saints' fitness

I still think Hull and Leeds have a lot to say in this playoff series. Hull have managed a draw earlier in the year, they seam to blow hot and cold. So it may depend which Hull outfit turns up??

Our team had just got off the plane from Ooz for that game.

It will be MASSIVELY disappointing if we fail to win.

Prepare to be massively disappointed lol

Colin_Fishwick in more doom mongering shocka

Go and support someone else, and don't depress us, who are enjoying great success in the last 4 seasons.

a joke? you?
I need a lie down

Depends which Wire team turns up more like.

Alot has been made of our beaten pack last week (Carvell off didnt help) but even without us being on top pack wise we still made chances and had periods of pressure on the Saints line but the combos and passing was awful, if we can get it back to the level its been in training (according to Smith) we still have a very good chance of a Grand Final spot.

Thats what am pinning my hopes on anyway.

No Harrison or Westwood. Hodgson's back fit and WILL play on Saturday.

I thought Harrison was back - that's what Smith said in his interview on radio yesterday.

Carvell and Westwood are the two certainties not to be playing as per the 19-man squad.