v WIDNES

The game of the season, well the avoidance of the wooden spoon for at least just now between two sides with little confidence and structure in defence and attack. That said for much of the game Widnes looked more structured and dangerous going forward. While we managed a few chances chalked off for a variety of reasons, Widnes seriously bombed a couple of chances that would have won them the game by some distance. A game of Dumb v Dumber. When you don’t know if you want to lose as it just might get rid of the coach or win because that is what you should want it’s a problem. As put into perfect perspective by Phil to my right, “I’ve seen Super League on the television and this certainly isn’t it”

Individually a number of our players have played well throughout the season what seems to be lacking is cohesion. I don’t agree that there isn’t a commitment there from the players just sometimes it seems half hearted. Is it the game plan they don’t agree with?

Mistakes at the PTB were too many, dropping the ball at a 20 metre restart, player in the way at a move. I’m sure they don’t do this in training do they? You can’t blame the coach for the individual errors but why so many. It really is a comedy of errors sometimes. Returning from the bar at half time to discover the half time slot was being filmed for a comedy show. It says something when they start to pack up and someone suggests they ought to continue filming as the second half hasn’t started yet.

I do think we have a strong forward pack and the forwards certainly drive us forward but the lack of variety in attack is still a significant problem. In comparison to some games the offloads were in abundance in this game, over three! Rather more significantly I thought people were actually expecting them. Still points where a break happens and no support though. Rinaldi brought variation to the PTB and a certain je ne sais quoi.

It was however a win and that should be recognised. Last minute certainly made for theatre but the fact we came back at all is a significant step in the right direction and we were still fighting for it. Still not an 80 minute team but playing for the last ten minutes helped on this occasion.