Watson says he’ll have tough conversations and ship people out. Weird thing is, he shipped most of them in to begin with. He just looks like he’s been found out to me. Loads of talk for a while now that Gleeson and Rowley propped him up at Salford and he’s not doing much to dispel those rumours.

Jake Connor, Sam Halsall, Harvey Livett, Esan Marsters and Matty English all playing in the reserves.

What a mess.

They went quantity over quality for a really weird reason because all they needed was to add some pace/x factor to an already solid team. How do you keep so many first team players happy? His answer recently was to go and sign another bog average player in Adam Milner.

His game plan is so boring and I can’t say I’m surprised the players look downbeat. He had a reputation as an attacking coach when he went there and it’s clear as day that wasn’t him at Salford. I can’t say I’m too upset he’s struggling because his manner really grates on me at times. The way he openly speaks about players he wants to sign from other clubs (Bibby in cup final week being one) is so disrespectful.

I was one calling for Watson to come in last season before we announced Peet. I was adamant there was nobody better for the job. I got that wrong (but did come round to the idea of Peet pretty quick), although they were excellent last season to be fair but their recruitment has been nothing short of woeful this season. It's ok him talking about tough conversations but he has designed a side that is miles off the standard. The only player i would have out of their side is Luke Yates (as Pryce has already gone) the rest are just cannon fodder.

Talking about ageing sides and we have a pretty youthful squad that is preparing to charge through past them all. I predict a very successful few season ahead for us, Catalans will be our nearest challengers for a bit. Saints will need time and Wellens has to get it right with recruitment or it sets them back a few seasons and Warrington will always be Warrington, throw money at it, ignore the academy and fail every time. Leeds are a bit behind us but Hull KR could be the springer in the next few seasons to sustain a challenge and i hope they do (just not in July) i have alrewady mapped out my August weekend and booked the long weekend off work. Watch them tonk us now, cursed them.

Matty English would be a good pick up for us if we gave it a try

As a Saints fan I care about winning the Cup

Every league fan cares about winning the Challenge Cup. You're making the mistake of thinking that WW69 is actually a league fan...

Attendances would suggest otherwise. As would the fact that SL teams only need to win 4 games. It’s a tin pot trophy these days.

I believe I was talking to league fan thesaint71, not you. Why would I waste my time arguing with a union troll? Bye.

Get the excuses in early,are you that scared of Leigh ?

Win 4 games,you couldnt do that last year !

Is it my Wigan bias but Harry Smith is twice the player Lewis Dodd is ?

He's certainly been a better player this season.

When Dodd first came through he was set for huge things, there were a lot of SL clubs after him and he was described as the next big thing. Rogues Gallery will confirm the talent and potential he had. I do feel that the Achilles injury has massively put him back. Up to that injury he was outstanding at times and a lot of our attack came from him.

This season he seems to be playing within himself, rarely taking the line on with the good step that he has and his last tackle kicks have been awful. There are parallels to Luke Walsh and how he played before and after his bad injury. Conversely Smith's all round kicking game has been superb.

That being said he did have the nerve to kick the winning DG in the WCC and there does seem to be some genuine interest in him from Australia. Joey Johns has been reported this morning as encouraging the Dragons to sign him if and when Hunt leaves. He has been very complimentary about him.

Dodd has shown glimpses this season of his previous form but overall he has been poor and a lot of fans have even suggested he should be dropped with Lomax/Welsby in the halves.

I still feel Welsby is a way better 6 than 1 but that's a conversation for another day.

Smith has been very good this season to be fair

No you speak the truth.

Very different players Smith and Dodd IMO. He’s well off his best Dodd and I don’t think he’s got confidence or his zip back after that achilles injury. He’s more of an individual talent, compared to Smith, who is a game manager. They’d probably make a well balanced pairing actually (if Dodd found form because currently he wouldn’t bring the running threat Smith doesn’t bring either).

The more I watch Welsby, the more I’m sure he’s a six. He offers little threat running the ball but is absolutely superb at getting in to the line and picking a pass. If Saints at Welsby at 6 and a player like Field at 1, it would be pretty devastating.