Really enjoyed the game as always. Don’t think it’ll have much bearing on our season but a few reflections: Rourke will be a very able deputy. Walmsley defended brilliantly and came up with some great reads, but still looks like he’ll get bent in half bringing the ball out in this league. Hall was workmanlike and I’d still prefer Pratt on that side, just got more about him. Think Scott could prove a brilliant pick up, he looked dangerous every time he got the ball. Hard to read too much into our halves - they’re clearly both able players and it’s just a case of game time. Thought our forwards looked the part - Rodwell did get stood up a few times which was worrying but no doubting his effectiveness with the ball, even against Oledzski, Ackers et al him and CHU were getting rapid play the balls. Vagana too. Tough day for Harvey Smith - v good in attack and made his tackles but ultimately he’s too small to stand up in the middle yet. I know it’s not at all the done thing, but I’d be tempted to make him defend one in so he’s ultra effective on the ball. As always, it was a bit up in the air when the young lads came on, but Ellis Lingard is going to be one hell of a player if he keeps his head down. He constantly found his front and defended like a first teamer.

Rodwell got skinned three times - one of which led to Connor’s first try, another that cost us 40 metres and another which cost us 70 metres. Watch the highlights back, he didn’t have a good game, but that’s okay, it’s preseason and now he knows he has to play the likes of Croft and Connor each week. As for Pratt, I’d really like to see him play left centre. What he achieved last season wasn’t just good for a young lad, it was brilliant generally. 20 tries, some of those from nothing, and can’t remember him making many mistakes. Sure, it was Championship, but I’d prefer to see him over Hall, who’ll just do a steady job. And while he could be a cover option for wing, I’d always prefer a specialist winger like Russell. Totally agree on Uele - thought he was awesome. Not at all worried about getting beat down the middle this season. If our halves manage us well, I’m still confident we’ll be in the mix.

Yes. Sorry to say I agree about Rodwell. You can never tell with forwards though. Sometimes you get them on Boxing Day in the middle of their heavy weights prep which makes them look sluggish. I'm not worried about Rodwell. Whereas Caleb looked to have trimmed a little bit which worked for him.

[quote="Butcher":47jo5vm0]Rodwell got skinned three times - one of which led to Connor’s first try, another that cost us 40 metres and another which cost us 70 metres. Watch the highlights back, he didn’t have a good game, but that’s okay, it’s preseason and now he knows he has to play the likes of Croft and Connor each week. As for Pratt, I’d really like to see him play left centre. What he achieved last season wasn’t just good for a young lad, it was brilliant generally. 20 tries, some of those from nothing, and can’t remember him making many mistakes. Sure, it was Championship, but I’d prefer to see him over Hall, who’ll just do a steady job. And while he could be a cover option for wing, I’d always prefer a specialist winger like Russell. Totally agree on Uele - thought he was awesome. Not at all worried about getting beat down the middle this season. If our halves manage us well, I’m still confident we’ll be in the mix.[/quote:47jo5vm0] Can’t disagree with the majority of that tbf. Agree Rodwell was at fault alongside Cozza for the first try, but the second try wasn’t a try as Trueman was wiped out. Brodie Croft looked very slick and did step him. But by the by he hit hard and ran hard did Rodwell, Uele was great too. Agree also with playing Pratt on the wing, I’m sure I heard Powell say he’s unsure if he’s a centre or winger, i might be wrong like.

Supporters see what they want to see in a game based on their individual prejudices, it will never change.

[quote="Scarlet Pimpernell":1c73i77e]Supporters see what they want to see in a game based on their individual prejudices, it will never change.[/quote:1c73i77e] I wanted to see Rodwell do really well. And Russell dominate the game at 7