Castleford (a)

Quote: sergeant pepper "Ahhhh the old scapegoat tag.

Always makes me laugh that some fans can't take criticism of players. I mean the majority of the faults are pretty plain to see, but somehow they aren't to be spoken of.

King had a good game last night. Never in doubt that he'll take the ball up well. He does have question makes over his defence though - you can deny it as much as you like, but it's true.

I've been a big fan of Powell's for a long time. I like the guy and can see why the club like him too. That however doesn't mean there aren't deficiencies in his game. Having a hooker who can do what Powell does + is more mobile will benefit the team.

Singleton is like Powell, but with just more holes in his game. You can talk all day about how our props play, but they have to make some kind of yardage. The have to, it's non-negotiable if we're going to win the GF. Cooper does with Singo does, but better and makes 80+ more yards a game. You can't tell me that isn't better for the team.

Calling out the above, especially when they are all off contract isn't scapegoating. It's talking about ways we can improve the side, by swapping out off contract guys for new blood. That's sport, that's how the great teams become great.

Anyway back to the match - I thought Ellis was very good last night. I saw someone post in the week about playing him at 13 and that could be a great option. Or at least spelling him, with Smithies to 2nd row. He seems fit enough to do bigger minutes and was really quick up in defence (like Knowles does at Saints). His post contact meters were really strong too.'"

If you are slating players before they have even played a game in 2023 that is scapegoating.

I find some fans almost want players to fail because it gives them the “I told you so” glow.

You don’t understand what Singleton brings to the team, you don’t understand how he plays and what he does. You have admitted that…but still chose to criticise him at every opportunity without understanding his role.

King has missed 1 tackle against the best left edge attack in the league in 3 games. I get the feeling you are craving him missing more. He was very good defensively last night.

Powell plays to a structure he is coached to.

I think if players are not going full length and scoring tries or making breaks for fun their role in the team is not appreciated.

I can’t educate you on that as it’s been done to death on here particularly the job of the forwards but you can’t seem to grasp it as you admit.

In regards Ellis to 13. Mentioned it a few times over the last 2 years. I actually thought we had signed him to take on the role given we didn’t have a recognised 13 at the club to replace SOL.

He did it very effectively at St George and has a passing game that we have yet to really see at Wigan. He has the ability to carry the ball deep into the line and pick up runners in a similar way to how James Graham used to and I think would go well spelling at 13.

He was though our most effective prop in 2023 statistically so I can also understand why we want him to continue with that style.

I’d maybe like to see Mago at 13 for spells too. Again it is a position he has played at Queensland and Souths quite effectively.