Quote: Karen "I think people need to remember that this year was always going to be a transition year, especially losing Gaz and Mahe. Injuries have been unprecedented too so the fact we are still in the top 8 and not fighting it out in the qualifiers is a massive bonus for me. Other teams have certainly got better around us which hasn't helped. Leeds and Wire have both been in the qualifier scrap in recent years so I think we need to be blooming grateful it's not us! Don't get me wrong, I'm not a happy clapper as people like to call those who focus on the positives. I'm also highly frustrated by the lack of attacking skills which I hasten to add, isn't simply a 2018 thing, this has been a worry for several seasons for me. I'm also concerned by the retention of several players but we will have to see on those if we are lucky enough to have a better 2019 injury wise. Discipline is also a major bug bear of mine. Stupid penalties gave Wakey the advantage to get ahead on Friday and unfortunately, we don't have the mentality of recent years to turn that around. I'll be at Huddersfield on Friday, but I'm expecting a looooooong night!'"
I agree with everything you have posted here.
Having been supporting the club for over 35 years, there were a fair few of those years I would have happily accepted mid table mediocraty. I can also accept being beaten by the better team, provided the players don't give in.
Fonua, IMO was replaced, with Faraimo. It may only be my opinion, but with ball in hand, he is equal if not better then Fonua.
Ellis! We knew he was retiring yet don't appear to have planned very well around that, which is a huge cause of concern given the retention of the back rowers of 2019. It needs to be freshened up. Granted Westerman is a good addition and I appreciate that replacing Ellis' presence on the field was going to be tough, but we are in need of new, younger and hungrier faces in the back row.
What we have noto really recovered from, compounded by injuries, its the departure of Watts. Irrespective of personal opinions (and I do not profess to know the real reason for his release) he was our most effective front rower. That is yet to be replaced.
Our attack is in desparate need of help. We have not really put a team away for a few years now. Bigger picture is, there are many fans who have not been around the block as long as others and are a little used to us being in SL and competing for trophies. Its those I fear may need some convincing of our ambitions with a signing (player or back room) or two.