Did Wilde get on the field last night? I don't recall seeing him. As for Russell, he is like a headless chicken, not a rugby brain in his body. Ratchford has far more ability and nous.

I was really disappointed in Toby King last night, a player I've always admired. Rhys Evans is a centre, would Jack Johnstone(sp) not have been a better option on the wing?

I already commented on the other thread about Wilde not playing and why waste a bench spot

What I don't understand is all the tinkering, especially when TS has moved proven players in their position to other
positions. And I would really like to know why Penny still isn't in the side when he clearly brings more to the table
than anything we have on the wings.

For me, we have been at our best in recent times when Russell is at Fb. Even if he's having some catching trouble,
put Penny back on the wing. He can then sort our wing dilemma out and assist Russell with the catching. The best centre partnership
for me is Atkins and Ratchford and if you pair Ratchford with (a head screwed on) Lineham as previously mentioned, then
Bob's your uncle.

I have to say as well though that in the past few seasons, TS is posing more questions than delivering answers and solutions. With
all the squad investment, I just feel that we should have improved more and capitalized on our early season form. Apart from the odd flashes,
I think we've gone backwards since that promising run in the first 2/3 months (injuries granted).

Last night's performance had fatigue written all over it. Slightly leggy with players not backing up, running lines and providing options for the ball carrier.
Fatigue impacts on concentration and that was evident with passes were off the mark, forward, on the floor etc and loose carries. Some decisions made in defence were hesitant. Giving penalties for crossing is a classic sign that concentration has gone and some of the other penalties we gave away were really soft.
It does sound like I am making excuses but I am prepared to have a go at TS here.
I can only assume that Sam wilde would only have been used if we were 20 points up with 20 mins to go. That smacks of arrogance against a decent saints team. How can a coach whinge about the short turn around and then not use a fresh pair of legs.
There is a massive contradiction here in that why whinge about the turnaround time but then stick a player on the bench that you would not play unless we are comfortably in the lead.
2 out of Philbin, Julien, Wilde, or Penny should have played a decent chunk of that game if TS was so concerned about the players backing up on a 5 day turnaround.

I can only guess that TS asked the players to step up one more time knowing that a 10 day break was coming. Against teams like saints you don't need huge amounts of skill sometimes but you do need a lot of energy and enthusiasm.

I agree 100% but he is damned if does or damned if he doesn't

Hindsight is a wonderful thing

ormsby?

wasn't cutting it, even before the dogs revelation

Pfft, you're welcome to that horrible little individual. Wouldn't want him back even if you paid us for the privilege.

I don't think we can really blame poor passing, lack of ball retention on fatigue. We have had 5 day turnarounds before, we had arguably the easiest semi final ,& the same poor handling skills & decision making have been with us all season ,longer in fact.

I think you need to retain kind, evans and russell in your 3/4 line for wembley

We probably will as there seems to be some stubbornness/childishness call it what you may in the background that we have better wingers than what are playing now but they won't.

horrible little individual



yes ive seen the dog story that went to court and he paid the price.