relax........Saints only got 30 points out of 44 against the same 11 teams home and away (22 games) That now make up Super League. That is 15 wins to 7 defeats....

3rd game in, better to play like that at this point than later in the season.

For me-

1) 1st half no intensity, defensive line moving up at an average pace and slowing when reaching point of contact.
2) kicking game average compared to Cats kicking game.
3) some poor defensive errors, Bridge on (I think) 1st try, and Wheeler 2 poor attempts for 2nd try (I think) and for last try.
4) Asotasi looked the forward with most intent
5) Some odd desicion making, like grubber kicking at the post (and missing with ball going dead) when we needed another set of six at a crucial time in the game.

It's 3rd sl game in. We shouldn't panic. Positives- Penny, Philbin and (supposedly) one trick pony Russell's running.

Point out Russells other strengths, i'm open to being told different.

btw fair play to Philbin he justified his inclusion over Ben Evans today. Good stuff.

Before today, Wire had played 5 games away to the Dragons since 2011 (including one CC match), and only lost one. So 'almost always' losing is incorrect.

That said, there's no reason why Warrington should expect to win there - it was just a mess of a performance today. "Cullen-esque" as my mate texted me, and I don't disagree with him.

Wheeler needs to sort his tackling out, I shudder to think of him in the centres or at full back. Harrison had a bad game also. Wire will be in the mix at the end of the season, but as mark_m has said above, the kicking game needs to improve massively if we're to win anything.

Russell's merits-
1) when receiving ball at FB, doesn't dither looking for space (like most fbs), he's fast up the defensive line and strong in the tackle.
2) dummy half running- quick and difficult to tackle.
3) genuine pace and power.
4) last season at FB- solid in defence and good returner.

(Going to try and think of more but need to grab some beers from the garage)

No kicking game was always going to be our major downfall this season.

great sides have a great kicking game... we dont even have half a kicking game.

But i kind of said that without all the detail on points 2, 3 and 4 they're all linked, a strong returner of the ball, that is the only attribute in which he beats Ratchford, but then Ratchford has an elusive style of running and equally able to beat a guy.

You can't tell me Ratchford isn't a better No.1?

I'm with Yed on this.
Dodging about like a stealy in a pinball machine isn't classic fullback play.
The nearest player we have to that ideal build is Ratchford, perhaps Penny can be schooled into that mould.

An eye for an opening with a smooth pacy running action.

Brian Johnson-esque

I liked the fact that Higham was pinged by Thaler for a high tackle. The rule book must have been revised once again.

Confidence in what?

As good as Penny has been at fullback, the imbalance of Russell on the wing is too great.

not so sure pal.

That I cannot give you an argument with. However should Evans return Matty wouldn't make my team.

Soz Yed, I joined the topic halfway through.

Both Ratchford and Russell are quality full backs.

I would prefer it if we could accommodate both and have MT at FB and SR at 6 with
Gob at 7.