Correct, this lack of size excuse is getting a bit tiresome - apart from Anakin our pack even minus Fafita is one of the biggest around.We should be a match for Cas, certainly in terms of size - it's the mentality we lack.

I agree with the first part - size is not the issue - but I disagree with mentality; I think it's more to do with coaching, game plan and of course the skill levels of players. Cas are streets ahead of us in those areas right now - which is not a criticism by the way - they just are.

I think streets is a bit OTT but certainly ahead - but by mentality I actually meant what you said - it's attension to detail basically - not sure either that the Cas pack have greater core skills, in fact it amazes me at times just how good they are yet how relatively ordinary most of them are. I mean there won't be that many Cas forwards playing international RL this year yet as a collective they are better than many 'big name packs'.

Take Darryl Powell out of the equation we would be walking all over this Cas outfit, as would %50 of SL teams. He really is the difference, and this is why he should be the International coach. Soon. Please.

I really think Cas have a big edge over us in the pack. Moors, McMeeken, Millington and Watts all have size and mobility, the rest contribute plenty too. They are so good that they have a little fat waster with a heart as big as a pea playing behind them being pushed forward as a potential Man of Steel.

Maybe 'streets' was a touch mean-spirited; I'll concede that one.

With regard to core skills and the phenomenon of Cas equalling significantly more than the sum of their parts - I'd broadly agree; and that, in my view, comes down to coaching - they have superior awareness, game planning and execution of the right moves at the right time - and they dig deep for each other when the going gets tough, and turn the screw ruthlessly when they have you on the back foot.

Daryl Powell is an exceptional RL coach and man-manager; they are very lucky to have him.

Without Fifita and Hirst we are only going to have Huby and England in the squad that are out and out props. Obviously we have Pauli as well who has been playing in the second row and doesn't always play big minutes.

Not a massive issue as we have Horo, Batch Arona etc just think Cas have a bigger pack than us, we'll need to make sure we utilise our wingers and centres well and play the game out wide where possible.

do you mean the little fat waster that tops the tackle count and ran in a 60 yarder to finish you off in april?

No they don't have a bigger pack than us, really don't know where your getting this from - Huby, PP and England add enough size to match Cas as do the rest. If Cas over power our pack it's simple because they are better not bigger IMO.

Yeah that's the one. Unmistakable.

Yes and you got the legend Scott Moore.
Not sure what your gripe is with McShane but he has been immense at Cas and fully warrants the praise he gets.

Don't have any stats but I would say Pauli Pauli plays big minutes almost every time he plays.

thought that was who you meant

I've seen weakened Trinity teams in the past overcome all the odds and beat full strength rivals. I've seen Trinity teams with decimated packs (and in the days of contested scrums) overcome the odds and cause an upset.
No doubt we're up against it with the players we have out but in my opinion we'd be second favourites with a full team!
It all depends how much the Trinity players want the win and if the game plan is good enough.