And the other benefit of winning is that Saints risk further injuries, or, of course, losing. I said last week Castleford's outside backs aren't all that, and I thought Salford handled them pretty comfortably, they had plenty of ball in good attacking positions, but didn't really throw that much at them. Watson knows that Saints and/or Wigan will ask his defence some tougher questions.

I rate Zak, I need to stress that before I carry on. But in the current system I don't think anyone can say he's been affective in attack. I'd go as far to say as an attacking fullback this has been Zaks worst season for many years. He's look far more deadly in attack for both Leeds and Cas, I'd find it baffling if people said otherwise.

I agree regarding French; I won't be judging his development and promise until after he's had time at the club, but to disregard what he can or can't offer the team in the here and now is madness.

You miss my point regarding the game, the game isn't a 'nothing to lose' but making the positional switch is a nothing a 'nothing to lose' move, as I truly believe with the way we play we're light years behind beating Saints. Saints would have to bottle it; the game, if not the GF is theirs to lose.

It's simple really. Our attack is subpar and clunky at the best of times, one of the reasons why is how we use Zak; it's pretty clear to see, he's not the same style FB as a Tomkins or Matty Bowen, however; French is. I don't see the resistance with giving French a go in that position. FWIW Zak would still be on the pitch during these positional changes.

Additionally French is wasted coming on and being used as a 6. I'd question anyones RL knowledge if they think he's been affective when he's played there.

The pieces are there, just in the wrong places.

I think I’m one for stability at this time of year. We’ve had a great run of wins largely down to our defence and ZK is integral to that at the back. If we can keep Saints to 2 tries I think we’ll win. Our pack has improved out of sight since we last played them and that for me is where the battle can be won.

It’s not time to change things now IMO but in 2020 I’d be looking to use French at fullback and Hardaker at centre. He’s been ultra consistent this year Hardaker. He’s safe as houses but he’s lost a yard of pace and his threat from the back isn’t as great as it was. Maybe he can get it back if he drops some bulk because he definitely looks heavier than in 2017 but if not we can’t waste French by shoving him out on the wing.

I agree with Zak's defence, he's been class. I'm honestly not knocking him, just how we play him.
But we need more in attack, we need to be on a much higher level to beat Saints this season.

Hope they have got good drainage at Saints. It has been tipping down for hours and will be for a good few more yet. Might get called off at this rate, still... there are plenty of traffic cones in St Helens they can amuse themselves with if it does i suppose

Team:
Hardaker
Marshall Hankinson Gildart Burgess
Williams Leuluai
Clubb Powell Partington
Isa Farrell
Lockers
-------------------
Smithies Bryne Flower French

15 mins in, game over.

What an embarrassment this is. Flying out the line with absolutely zero common sense and no effort with the ball. We’ve clearly gone out with a game plan as simple as ‘go out and get stuck into them’ which is barely good enough for a Saturday amateur game.

Fancied your young guns tonight but saints look bigger fitter faster and stronger unfortunately.

They’ve been outstanding.
We’ve been nothing short of bullied.
If we somehow get to OT in 2 weeks, we need a miracle. Oh and a fella called Shaun Wane.

Tonight we are seeing why Saints are 16 points or whatever in front of the rest. We haven't been great, but they have forced us into errors over and over. Walmsley and Thompson have been immense, where as our props have been dominated completely, in fact their entire forward pack have bee immense. I'd call it a Saints master class in the first half.

I'm hoping they drop off in the second and we get a bit of a roll on and some confidence.

Crap to Walmsley and Thompson!!! GET INTO THEM AND HIT THEM. Whats all this hanging back? Ive seen more fire in a damp rag than our senior forwards. Do they even know what the prize is for winning this game?

Might as well just let saints run riot now and save ourselves for next week because theres not a chance in hell of us getting back into this.

I hate being humiliated by Saints. It is amazing how we cannot stand up but they seem to have no problem.

I’ve been going on about lack of size in the forwards for years and it’s being badly exposed, there is no go forward whatsoever.