We could in no way justify matching Fielden what Huddersfield were offering him considering he had only played a couple of games in 2 years. Good luck to him though, hope he has a fantastic injury free season.

Why on earth not?

Unless we thought he was a crock which I am sure we didn't given the fact we let Lima leave early we needed an experienced player like him. Hudds just proved packs win matches and their pack especially the front row looks considerably better than ours and Fielden is part of the reason why.

We on the other hand seem to think Prescott plus Laukai as senior props plus inexperienced players like Taylor and Dudson is the way to go. I haven't seem a weaker Wigan front row for some time and the galling thing is it is largely because we let Lima leave and couldn't be d with Fielden - both our players.

The past few seasons have shown that regular season form and league placing means little as long as you get into the play-offs in decent shape.

Agreed. I thought Saints' no-show appeared seemed to owe to more than just ring-rustiness.

You can't help wondering about Nathan Brown. His antics in the last couple of years at Huddersfield put a big question-mark against his judgement, as have certain comments he's made in public in the past.

Is he really a good coach, or is he all mouth?

Unfortunately this result means nothing to either team. With the playoff structure as it is, success is what happens in the last 8 weeks of the season. Last season Leeds were crap for the first 2/3 of the season, remember Wigan scored 50 points at Headingley in early season but it meant nothing, Then Leeds went on to be champions.
It's all about getting into the top 5 when it counts, remember Hudds beat Warrington and Wigan in their first games yet slumped badly when it counted.

I'm not sure they'll be consoling themselves with that thought in St Helens today. Or that McManus will be so dismissive of the result.

Teams have a duty to entertain their paying fans.

A few more performances like that, and the fans will start staying away. Try telling a club it doesn't matter then.

It's worrying that the RFL can't see how irrelevant the reg season has become. People have stopped going to games because of it and that is the most worrying thing of all

An amusing and accurate (and somewhat heartfelt) comment from a Saints fan about last nightWello's not just over the hill, he's fallen down it into a ditch and his carcass is being chewed on by passing animals.[/i

A few more games like that might well see the return of Rush and KFC.

Another pearler, this concerning Josh Perry ...

[iThe only thing he will be remembered for his time at saints is being arrested for his naked run on mad Monday - bet that was easiest arrest police ever made and managed to drive him 10 yards back up the street before cuffing him!! [/i

Ouch...

The crowds were up last year during the regular season and down during the play-offs. How does that fit with your post above?

Pre season I couldnt look past either Leeds or Wire to win both major trophies. Wire are quality and have that all important stability in their squad and Leeds back line looks frightening. However youve got to give credit to Anderson. Hes got rid of the players that were alleged to be causing problems, bought wisely and bought quality players. If they stay fit and healthy the Giants should be up there pushing for the top 4. The squad looked to have a lot of grunt and more importantly that cohesion and togetherness. Was very impressed with Hudds last night. And whos that Fielden lad. Looks a real prospect

That's fantastic!