Lots of the players (including Widdop of the marquees) were already under contract before powell signed with us. Of the players whose contracts were up last year he should have re-signed hill. J Clark has looked alright so far but poor tonight and dropped last week so he's the only real question mark.

I don't want to see any contract extensions this season except maybe Ratchford for a season to cover Dean in the halves. We need fresh blood, we need 2 quality props.

Said it before. The problem with two marquee half backs is they are both waiting for the other to take the lead.

Agree with you, these 5 games have highlighted the work that needs to be done, this season for Powell is about him giving us something worth watching but looking at it I think some of these players are already near the exit.

Here here never been a fan of widdop..big money earned giving sod all back get rid.. and the same apply to you Williams

A genuinely hard prop, a mouthy half, an out the back centre, a captain who will strike fear into OUR players and inspire by performance.

Absolutely this, 2022 season is a free hit from me, I just want to enjoy watching my team again. Sadly this may be another season to write off.

Good post. Tonight showed the gulf in class and Saints had another gear or two which they didnt need. I'm right behind Powell but he has a massive project. We have 2 marquees that are not delivering, a pack that is not fit for purpose, and a number of players on contracts that we are stuck with which Powell would not have signed. We also have some players who think they are better than they are. In truth every Saints player was better than his opposite number tonight.

But we aren't a great side, not even a particularly good one right now. Haven't been for quite a long while and we have just played the 2 best sides in the league for the last 12 months. If anything it's a good thing we have had them this early, as it gives Powell a good idea of where we truly stand and hopefully he can make the adjustments needed - That is where is challenge lies this season. Sorting out the dead wood, improving those with some potential and hopefully, by August/September, showing some progress towards being a half decent side.

Hope whizzy rascal drives off with the ball next week so we don’t have to play

I'll judge Powell this year in whether he renews Hughes contract. That is the litmus test. Everything else, he's inherited, bar Pete and Oliver.

Another one escaping critism on here is Toby king..since he signed is over inflated contract he's done naff all..buck up or buck off

I don't disagree with a word of this post, DSM, but the elephant in this particular room is the expression "dead wood". We all know who they are. Some of them got their contracts extended, while Chris Hill was given leverage to leave a club he's served very well, for over a decade. True, his best days are behind him, but we're left with a pack of second rowers, with all the strength of an astronaut's fart.
We've lurched from problem to problem at half back since Briers' retirement. Our recruitment STINKS, and some of the blame lies with Powell.

It's going to be a long season. At this rate, I can't see us being involved come late September