T ran with some purpose but always seems to have a handling error in him. I can't see him staying above Bullock for long, even if that's the case at the moment. Bullock is simply a better player.

I thought Sammut looked good and seems to have exactly the controlling game we've been asking for to compliment George. His kicking today was excellent. What I really liked from him though was how vocal he was. For a player new to the team he certainly made his presence felt in organising plays and generally motivating and encouraging those around him. He appeared to be making a point defensively too. Some of his early hits were very aggressive and he made multiple tackles on many sets. Good first showing!

We certainly won't have any issues if we pick up injuries in the forwards this year. Easily the most depth out of all the squads in SL.

Sammut looked promising but I'm still unsure about moving away from a half back combo which won 10 games out of 10 at the end of last year.

A bit scrappy but it was a good hit out. I was particularly impressed with Bullock and Byrne. Hamlin was excellent, Hardaker went well too.

George Williams showed no signs of improvement from last season IMO. Some of his passes/kicks and plays were awful but then again the ball to Davies for a try in the corner was sublime. I’m sure (or hopeful!) with a few games under his belt he’ll improve.

For me Sammut offered the square root of jack all. I still don’t know why we’ve bothered signing him. As for Jackson Hastings we really have missed out on a cracking player there.

Overall though we looked good in patches. It was a good hit out and something we can definately build on for the season.

I don't see how you can say that about Sammut. he kicked very well indeed and looked just the kind of organiser we need to me.

Williams was Williams, a mixture of poor options and some sublime skills. He’s frustrating but we’d be lost without him. He set up Davies and Farrell try’s and was generally threatening throughout. He’s not been working with Lam for too long either so hopefully the frustrating parts to his game will kick on a level.

Williams was the biggest disappointment to me today, didn't seem to have changed anything from last year, he was trying to be too fancy with a lot of the kicks when just a bomb would have sufficed. Sammut looked decent enough, the charge down was good, but needs to watch himself after what looked like he may have grabbed the ref's arm. Felt we were a bit weaker with Shorrocks at 9 than Powell or Ganson but overall a good hit out.

It's nice to actually have a goalkicker as well!

Summed up Williams pretty well there.

If Lam can improve his kicking game and stop him from thinking that he needs to make a try on every last tackle then we will have a top player.
Overall I thought today was a pretty decent performance for a friendly. Bullock will be challenging for a starting 17 place and it wouldn't surprise me if Sammut also makes the 17 against Saints

I believe somebody mentioned Leuluai saying he expects to play at hooker this year, so if that’s the case you’d think Sammut will play at seven in that first game. He did the 80 today as well and didn’t play in London so he looks a first 17 player.

It’ll be interesting what happens with Greenwood and Farrell. They’re clearly our best two second rowers but both are left sided so today we put Greenwood on the bench before moving Farrell to 13 when Hamlin was spelled. You would imagine Lockers will be spelled on a similar basis so that may continue if Lam doesn’t feel confident on either playing on the right side.

I thought we played really well considering at one point we only had two of last seasons Grand Final winners on the pitch

However , worst away kit I've seen for a long time

Sammut went off when Shorrocks came didn’t he? He then came back on in 2nd half. Based on today I’d say Sammut has to start at 7, he kicked Salford to death at times and showed what we’ve been missing. With more game time he can improve plenty.

I’d say Bullock has played his way into the 17 ahead of Tautai too. He’s been superb in both games this weekend. Interesting that Zak went to centre and Lam spoke of him as suiting the role in his post match interview. It may be harsh but Powell might struggle for a game. Sammut at 7 and Tommy at 9 seems likely and I’d go with Escare on the bench ahead of Powell. It’s good to have options!

Sammut & Hardaker played the full 80, it was Powell who went off for Shorrocks.