Wigan had plenty of effort and Biff in the tackle which was great to see. But we need some balance. We were clueless near the line to breadk down what was a very well organised and resolute defence. Sam and Shaun give us that little bit of X factor. I don't think we whould be throwing them in the deep all the time especially against toough teams like HKR but I did think that operating Sam off the bench in the last few games has been a good option. Last night was a mistake especially putting Riddell in who offered nothing apart from knock-ons at the play the ball!

After accepting defeat I am sort of pleased that he dropped Sam and Shaun because ir proved an important point.

Because matty B said he wasn't...

Walking up to the game last night I was thinking that the lighter more fleet of foot player who can turn quickly and maintain balance would be a good option, e.g. Ainscough and Tomkins as it's much harder to react to a change in direction than start one.

We saw time and time again during the game the player running the angle had a significant advantage as they were able to get inside the defender who could not keep on their feet when turning.

Smith - waste of space tonight, didn't attack the line at all just passed the ball on to the next man.

He had a poor second half, but that pass for Lockers first try was as good as any you will see.
One thing though, he wasn't poor defensively as he has been, but that could have been helped by the conditions as it was very difficult for players to get motoring.

Smith plays RL like a pansy.

His poncy bouncing up and down is reminiscent of Richie Mathers.

However, I suppose if we are satisfied with Amos "1 tackle and a ball steal" Roberts, we should be delighted with Tim "One pass" Smith.

No, he got it wrong, AGAIN. Rest? The lads 20 years old, why would he need a rest? As for Smith, as a stand off he's nothing short of a joke, iv never seen him take the line on once.

Not that I'm defending Smith's overall performance - but not all 6s take on the line. His distribution on planned moves it outstanding, and luckily we have Tommy who, whilst isn't outstanding in terms of giving great balls, takes the line on successfully.

It's Smith's ability to think on his feet that I would criticise, not the fact that he doesn't take the line on.

Lockyer, Pryce, Mcguire..all the top class number 6's take on the line, your number 7 is your main organiser, we need a top class number 6 desperately.

6 and 7 are the same in todays game. All I was saying was that he isn't one to take on the line, but his ball distribution and organization in set plays is outstanding.

Where Smith fails is having to organize off the cuff - this is why we need a better stand off.

He was right to rest Sam last night it was always going to be a very hard hitting game and Sam could quite easily last night got hurt very badly and been put out for the rest of the season. The young lad from KR looked like he had broken his ankle when he came off for his sake i hope he has not. What would everyone on hear had been saying if Sam had broken his leg last night or worse everyone would have been saying he should not have played.
You have to ask do you save him for the wire game where he could cut them up and the 2 Salford games or risk him in a very hard game i know which i would do it was a good call last night.

We've got one he didn't select him

A voice of sanity in a sea of shoite.

Seconded..or is that thirded?

start of the match i was dreading, 4 forwards on the bench no backs phil bailey was poor, there is only feka who can make good yards at prop, riddell was totally outplayed by an onform mcilurum.
what kind of coach leaves the super leagues top scorer out aswell as our most creative influence in sammy tomkins, when noble is ommiting players who are on form and replacing them with slow and inconsistent players, its time his role came into question.
okay maybe ainscough's defence is suspect but how many times did the ball get to the wings. not that often and amos roberts is scared to run forwards at the opposition.
gone are the days of the speed kings, jay robinson and martin offiah, we have a player who scores tries regulary and he is'nt in the squad

lets just hope for an improvement next week

I still prefer Richarsa at full-back. He is an excellent player but he is never a winger in a million years. He must be played at full-back and Ainscough must be played on the wing.
Phelps should be sub as he can cover a few positions.
Oh, and Sam should be on in place of Smith.