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

we are a mediocre side in a medicore league.... nothing toinight was a surprise.

it will take 2-3 seasons to turn this side around into a decent team.

the pack must be in the bottom 3 in SL.

He is on my list in the clear out thread.

What I would give for Jake Connor right now.

He was awful tonight Matautia. Don’t see it with him one bit. I’d rather give Connor Wrench a go.

We need to send Philbin out on loan and hope he never comes back.

This is all SO predictable. We know the prop forwards are poor. Simple as that. Miles away from where we need to be. At least two big props are needed. Until that happens, mid-table at best.

Another bunch who are not copping they flak are those behind the scenes who sign these average wannabes and let players leave i.e Chris hill mamo..they should be named and shamed..

Looked brilliant with that relentless Hull pack giving him acres of room, but behind our motley crue of grumpy, happy, bashful and several dopeys?

We all know that props are an issue. But surely they aren't to blame for our clueless ability to create anything in the opposition 20?

We might as well play his mum, Maggie. At least arrange a swap(shop)