Ashton was terrific against a big physical Catalan side, which is how the dilemna came to be for semi final. Ashton is growing into the fullback role, and looks to have the attributes to be Ratchford's heir apparent. One thing that baffled me, was Stef's subbing, which made me wonder if he wasn't fit, or if he picked up a knock during the game? If anybody, it should have been Widdop to come off, as he didn't give Salford anything to worry about.

It can work both ways CH, as there were some claiming we looked unbeatable prior to last weeks two games. Thing that bothers me most, is our historical inability to be able to be at our peak in October in cooler and wetter conditions. We don't seem to be able to apply the appropriate game management when were leading in such conditions, and make the opposition chase the game.

Very likely a result of Tyrone Mccarthys cannonball tackle on ratchford knees. I can't believe he hasn't been banned for that and lineham is serving an 8 match ban for what I would say was an inconclusive squirrel grip. Unless there were other camera angles that showed something more conclusive that is. The rfl needs to get a grip, how can a potentially career ending challenge to somebody's knees be less of an offence than a ball grab? I get its not comfortable but it's not likely to threaten any careers is it.

Just play Ashton on the wing when Ratchford is available at fullback.

This is the most sensible solution at the minute. I can understand why price didn't though our back line has been in really good form recently. Mamo, charnley, Ashton, gelling and lineham too when he was available.

Anybody who has been questioning lineham must surely see the worth of having his carries out of defence and knack for sliding over the whitewash now.

'End of days'???... No, people just pointed out rightly that Price should be in the last chance saloon now.

As for keeping quiet after the wins, well, call me cynical, but considering our proven ability to implode, I think it actually makes sense to rein in any optimism when it comes to Wire - Until they actually deliver the big prize, it probably makes more sense to just ready yourself for the inevitable anti climax.. It helps soften the hurt.

Every team loses matches, league matches, Cup matches, playoff matches. If your team gives you 9 games consecutively between defeats then they're doing alright for you. That was 2 games ago, 2 games where we lost by 2 points, one with 16 of our starting 17 rested and another suspended and the other in horrific conditions that made the outcome far less than guaranteed.

Seriously just put the pitchforks away until the end of the season, it could well end in bitter dissapointment (likely) but price tried to win finals using negative tactics and it didn't work in 2 out of 3 finals for us. We weren't blown away but we weren't at the races and never looked like winning either when we lost. He went more attacking in this semi and that didn't work either but mostly down to defensive errors and lapses. At least on this occasion we scored enough points to have won the match were it not for those errors. If I take nothing more from the game on Saturday, at least it could be an indication that if we reach a final we will try to score some points.

Think I've just invented new terminology for exciting full back play?
For we all know Ashton is also an aspiring thespian.
Now now you are using math rmathematical terms to describe Ratchford.
Stick to old ye English and describe him..... Come on....

Rewarding continuing failure isn't exactly a policy that has got us far before, has it?'"

For certeinly, as that thise clerkes seyn
If any thyng shal wel reported be. Ratchforde very fyne at fullbacke is posityoned.
In al the land, of playeing nas his peer
Some sayde that the Coote was muche more fyne but he fumbled balles before the lyne
At Londone towne to throwe the Cup.

With sincere apologies to Master Chaucer.

And, they say Union is the game for the intellectuals! Pah...

I left out a line which Lefty won’t forgive me for
“A bokkeler much lyke his gibbonous teme maytes “

I prefer Laurie Daley's take on such matters
"Rugby League is a simple game played by simple people. Rugby union is a complex game played by w@nkers"

If we need to move Ratchford anywhere to accomodate Ashton then make him our permanent 13. As he was outstanding there, which confuses me even more as to why we decided to trial Austin at 13 when Ratchford was tried and tested a few weeks before and was successful.
Just strange times, in my eyes we've only lost 1 game we should have won as the kids against Salford i didn't expect us to win anyway, so the way they performed was a bonus.
Now lets get back to playing the squad in their proper positions and back to winning ways