I think we'll see Saints start at a frantic pace, motivated by not only Wigan taking their trophies but by all the talk of Wigan being a side on the cusp of a period of dominance. I'm comfortable that we have more depth, a better attack and that we probably have less holes in our side to fill over the next few years than Saints do (although French and Field both deciding to leave would change that) but as things stand right now, I don't think there is anything between the two starting sides, when both are at their best. It just feels like Saints might have a bit more motivation than Wigan on Friday but I'm not ruling us out. We lifted around this time last year and put together 3 top performances, that were not to be seen again until the business end of the season.

OT, but with Field being tied down, I'm really interested to see what we will do should French leave. It will be Danson's first real roll of the dice with a potential marquee spot. There isn't a lot of talent off contract tho.

Our attack is ok considering the general downturn in overall performance since Penrith. We're still scoring plenty points although I don't expect that against Saints. However we should be able to score enough to win provided our defense is on point and that's where the concern lies. We haven't been playing to the intensity required in defense and I'm not sure it's as easy as "flicking a switch" so to speak.

The scary thing with French as a six is that I don't think he's anywhere near the ceiling of his potential in the spot. He's still extremely new to it and is looking more and more comfortable but I still think he can run the ball more and be a little more selfish and that will open up space for not only him but players around him. He will be a nightmare to replace and I'd like to think he might stay yet but the signs don't look great.

We did manage to flick that intensity switch around the Easter period last year but we weren't coming off the back of a WCC win, so I can't see it being easy this time around. Whatever happens, I think the game is great news for us because it should get us out of the expected mental lull we've been seeing.

That's the thing, if NRL teams are looking into him will it be as Stand Off, Winger or Full Back?

I'm just not sure they would take the risk, ie. He may not go at all if the offers aren't there.

As you say, different circumstances this time around but, win or lose, I'd like to think this is the time we put the WCC behind us. We've rested players and obviously that brings challenges to continuity but we need to start building into the rest of the season now. As well as Good Friday there's a tough away assignment at Leigh and a potentially hard CCQF on the way in the coming weeks so we need to consign the WCC to the record books.

I do think we'll be able to lift for Good Friday but we'll be coming from a point that is currently behind where Saints are at this point in the season and, of course, they'll also lift for this game. Hard one to call. Our attack is better but their defense is currently better. It all depends which comes out on top and that will start with dominance in the forwards. Get that and we'll win.

Looking at the list of who is OOC and current 6's, I don't see many teams taking him as a starter. That's not to say he's not good enough, but a lot of sides are pretty covered at 6.

Funnily enough, it's probably the best side (Penrith) who could be one of the very few teams looking for a 6.

Yeah that's what ì meant as in a starting position, without doubt he has a talent to be a squad playing utility back. Whether he's willing to do so? Him being closer to family is a no brainer, wages are a factor but NRL clubs have more cap space, I suppose it just hinges on whether he's willing to wait on the sidelines for his chance (bit like Hampshire with us).

The sad thing is that if he does go back, he'll probably be going back as a bit of a utility and at one of the less glamorous clubs. If the pull of home is strong enough to take an offer like that, then fair enough, it's clearly important to him. On the flip side, if we can convince him to stay, then you never have any worries about his commitment here. He has been superb in every aspect during his time here. The club look after him and he repays them in spades.

James Bell banned for Friday.

Nothing to see here.

Thought Clark might have picked something up for shoving Holyroyd into the ad boards, but I'd assume they decided a yellow was sufficient.

Preparing myself for the next wave of RedVee conspiracy theories though, I'll get the popcorn ready.

What was that for? I didn't notice anything during the match (seem to be saying this a lot so far this season )

Their attack looks far better when Bell is on the field, so that’s a blow for them.

Quote: Phuzzy "What was that for? I didn't notice anything during the match (seem to be saying this a lot so far this season https://x.com/JamesSaintLatic/status/17 ... 12402?s=20 Assume they've classed it as a hip drop. But Bell's feet are on the floor when he makes contact and it's just a coming together of legs. If the Leeds player doesn't stay down and Ackers doesn't wave his arms about I highly doubt anyone would even notice it.

Quote: Phuzzy "What was that for? I didn't notice anything during the match (seem to be saying this a lot so far this season https://x.com/JamesSaintLatic/status/17 ... 12402?s=20 Assume they've classed it as a hip drop. But Bell's feet are on the floor when he makes contact and it's just a coming together of legs. If the Leeds player doesn't stay down and Ackers doesn't wave his arms about I highly doubt anyone would even notice it.