I can understand a few people being annoyed with it being Widnes (not that it bothers me I just see it as another game), but let's put this into perspective we had won 10 in a row before last night.. A few players had off nights without a doubt one of them being Russell who has been pretty good this season so let's not press the panic button.
TS knows the players and knows who needs a rest, we are building towards a C.C semi and the playoffs, and if things go our way in those losing to Widnes on a plastic pitch won't even get a second thought.

The cynic in me actually likens Tony Smith to that slightly dodgy racehorse trainer, who holds his horse back for a few races, getting him ready for that big race, when he comes home first, taking the hefty prize money and also picking up some gambling winnings at juicy odds.

Last night's display, along with several others over the last few seasons, have stunk to high heaven of a side sent out weakened, under prepared and under motivated.... Now, I'm not suggesting anything untoward, but its occasions like last night that really detract from Super League as a competition and make the argument against the play off system a lot stronger.

This

Last night we had 10 players in the 17 that either weren't playing for us last season or weren't in the regular starting 17, so whilst it wasn't the greatest performance, at least it shows how far the squad has come along in a short time.

penny drops for Dita's Slot Meter

Only problem is, Smith hasn't quite mastered picking up the big prize yet ....

No, it isn't - The big prize is the Grand Final. Until we win that, then we will be forever known as under achievers.

We can win as many Challenge Cups has we like, but until we claim a Super League title, then we will always be in the shadow of clubs like Wigan, Leeds and Saints.

Yes it is.
The SL only scratches the surface of revenue the club can make from the cc.

I guess we're both right for different reasons.
One stature the other purse.

When you start playing for money and not for the kudos of being able to call yourself Champions, then you know things have gone wrong...

The challenge cup is fantastic to win, but the grand final is the ultimate prize, so wake up TS and stop resting players.

Sorry, but it just doesn't happen like that.

What is my next most important game ?: Leeds CC semi
What side do I need ?: My most experienced and in form players
How do I ensure they are available, injury free and relatively fresh?


The Widnes game is not irrelevant, Smith would have chosen a side that he thought capable of getting the points, but with a view to resting the players he needs for Leeds, and avoiding playing those that risked injury on the 'plastic fantastic'. SL is simply a knock out competition, yes it is better to be higher placed, but not essential. Having your best players fresh and available certainly is though.

I think a visit to Old Trafford is likened to the ultimate prize because sky have styled it that way .