Does Nsemba play that much better on the left than the right? He was pretty effective on the right side as well last year - I think the switch was made mainly to plug some gaps defensively. Looks like there's a chance they'll be switching back.

To be fair, we developed and lost Pearce-Paul and Nicholson, both of whom would have been great for us right now.

James McDonnell as well.

I can't help wonder what the deal is with McDonnell at the minute. He's signed a one year deal at Leeds, which makes me wonder why? he's playing really well and is going to be named in the England squad later today from the reports I've just read. That isn't a player you only offer a year to, so it makes me wonder if he has his eyes on a move for 2027, be that to Oz or maybe a move back around these parts. I'd take him back as a replacement for Faz, although he discipline and error rate needs a bit of work. 

I think McDonnell is on the small side. He does seem to get overpowered quite a bit when defending. 

Really hoping that Farrimond can find his feet over these next few weeks. Lord knows we need a bit of something. 

If we can get Marshall back, then we're only really missing Miski, French and Walters.  As good as they are, the team should be experienced enough to cover for them (especially Walters, who couldn't get a game 12 months ago). 

Strangely, I'm looking at Saints and they've also got their most important player out, but seem to be playing with renewed confidence? Is it the addition of a bit of youth that's done it? Perhaps the new blood in Cross?  Is it Feldt doing those tough carries early in the set? 



If we aren't going to bring anyone new in, then let's give Wade a shot. For me,  having watched a lot of him in RU he'd, have scored a couple on Friday. Douglas wasn't bad, he carried relatively well for his age - but he's not a finisher like Wade is. 

To be fair we’ve played Salford twice in the last 3 weeks. 

However our best performance of the season was against Leeds. 


Sailor is finding his feet now and I think is revelling in Welsby’s absence, taking on creative responsibility. 


The other factor is Dagnall. He has been brilliant and has been very good with his yardage on kick returns in addition to finishing tries very well. 

There's some similarities there imo..
Might only have been Salford, but we've played them, Huddersfield, Wakey and Cas. Hardly big names for us either.  

I was really hoping Douglas was going to provide the "youth" spark for us - but to be honest, he's not overly impressed in the 1st team games he's played. It's probably why he's not being retained either.  Hopefully Farrimond can now do it.  


Agree on Sailor and another hope for me is that Field steps up and negates the loss of French (if that's even possible).  It's an opportunity for both players to come out of the shadows really.  

Its always difficult to get the timing right on these things, i agree the time to phase out has come! 

Agreed. We've been really lacking that this year. Douglas is alright but like you say he isn't an exciting young player, just solid enough.

Eckersley is decent and can be exciting but only plays when Miski or Keighran are injured, he isn't exactly forcing his way into the team.
Forber is nowhere to be seen since March.
McDermott has played once, off the bench at Salford.


Do we have no one else? SURELY we have someone that can make more than 5 carries for 27 metres like Byrne does??

Nsemba provided it last year and in 2023 a bit.
2023 we had 2 new centres and quite a reshuffle in the spine. Mid-season we signed Dupree and O'Neill ousted Powell as starting 9. Gave us a great momentum boost to the last 2/3 of the season.
2022 we also missed any spark.

This year you could just copy and paste last year's team sheets unless there's an injury. Does Peet have something up his sleeve or are we just expecting things to "kick in"?

Wrong