I like the idea of Balmforth at 13, but he couldn't do 80 there, also means Amir doing 80 again.


I suppose it depends how long Asista is out for  a couple of weeks could use a middle forward, longer maybe needs more thinking.

With Rapana being back I wouldn't be against seeing Hardaker at 13 if I'm honest as think he has the ability and RL brain to do a good job in the interim. Guess it all depends on the seriousness and length of time Asiata will be out for and available bodies. Whoever it is that steps in at 13 pretty sure JC will have made the right call. 

I'd imagine asiata could be around 6 weeks at least which is a blow.  If he heard a pop it's generally at the more serious end of the prognosis.


We don't have much luck with injuries.


Maybe 2 out, 2 back next week so we're getting nowhere plus I have no confidence Cartwright jr will last more than a couple of matches

For me either Fash or Aydin come straight in at 13 both are mobile and can play big minutes.

Didn't see the game but saw some highlights this morning . Good two points in what sounded like a game of two halves again .


If results go our way this weekend , We could have a little gap opening up from 7th spot .

The game of Rugby League has changed massively over the past 30/40/50 years, but some adjectives still remain true.
If you can get the right (quality) players at positions 6, 7 & 13, you are more than half-way to being a decent functioning competitive side, and that is true of Fc this year.


There has obviously been many changes made at the club over the past twelve months, most of them right decisions, but if the biggest off-field change has been the appointment of JC as coach and the impact that has had on our club, then the biggest on-field change has been the recruitment of Cust, Sezer and Asiata and the partnership the three of them have struck up, virtually from game one at Catalans.


The three of them have given us experience, direction and structure in the middle of the park which is light years ahead of the dishevelled shambles we witnessed in 2024. Obviously everyone is playing their part in rejuvenating our great club, but these three are a primary reason why we have taken some significant steps forward in the first four months of the year. 


Praying that Asiata's injury isn't too bad. I'm always fearful when a player pulls up almost instantly with no one around him. As soon as I saw him limp to the side lines last night, my heart was in my mouth. Him and Sezer have been players of the year so far, will be gutting if we lose either for any length of time. Fingers crossed it's not too bad for JA.    

Great night out last night, brilliant game to watch, fantastic (almost carnival) atmosphere in the South stand. The half-time rendition of Living on a Prayer almost drowned the tribute band out!!!, and I'm not even a particular fan of poodle-haired rockers!!


Was pinching myself at half-time, never saw that coming, thought it would be a really tight tense game, a little like Leeds last Friday. Apart from Lewis misjudging that 40-20 from Lam, which briefly put us under a little pressure, it was close to being a nigh-on perfect opening forty minutes. We ran hard with menacing intent, we closed their attacking threats down completely, and we were bright, breezy and inventive when inside their 25. That first half showed that if can create space for him to exploit then Pryce will cause merry havoc for retreating defences. Think we will get a good deal more out him when (or if!!) we can field a proper settled second-row pairing. He had the Leigh defence at sixes & sevens when he sent Lewis in for his try.


Second half was obviously more backs to the wall stuff, especially as we began to run out of available bodies. Felt Leigh started to go a bit hell for leather from around the 55 minutes mark and when the passes stuck it had the effect of pulling us around the park a bit. But at times our scrambling defence was superb although energy sapping. There was a moment towards the end when they knocked on right on our line (think it may have been the Sezer 'injury' moment) and almost too a man the players collapsed on the ground. They looked absolutely out on their feet at that point. Was real glad of the fourteen point cushion at that point as I don't reckon their was too much left in everyone's tanks when they walked off the pitch at the end. Also, does anyone else think we had got right under Ipape's skin? When he scored he threw that ball into our section with some venom didn't he!!! Think he would go well in our pack though, would definitely give us something extra going forward.


Agree with Mrs B about Herman. There have been times since he arrived last year when it has felt as if he is almost carrying the whole club on his (very broad) shoulders. He has a reputation now throughout SL and opposition defences are manning up on him in an effort to blunt his impact, but it still didn't stop him scoring last night, crashing over with three defenders failing to stop him  


So, on we go with the (slightly grey) clouds that were just beginning to gather around the fanbase lifted again. Have to say I'm rather enjoying these away trips, notwithstanding a couple of missed tackles at Headingley last Friday night. Didn't really see this coming in February. If we can address our normal end of season dodgy home form we should be a decent bet for a top-six spot. Who'd thought it!! Onwards and upwards as ever for the faithful   

Must admit to being a little worried about whether we'd be able to cope with Niu's power on the edges but thought Briscoe and Barron handled him well giving him very little opportunity. Also think Litten and Martin defended their edge pretty well too, and in fairness although we weren't as good in the 2nd 40 the reality was Leigh only looked to trouble us once they had nothing left to lose throwing caution to the wind.

Pleasing to hear both Cartwright and Sezer saying that happy with the win but that there's plenty to work on from the 2nd half.




  

Brilliant team performance. The first half completion was 93%.
Interesting to see that Hardaker was moved to 6,when Cust went off.
I thought Pryce would have been moved to 6, Litten to 1, Chamberlain to 4, then Ashworth to 2nd row.
Knight was absolutely immense.
Any news on why Fash was not selected??

Fash playing for Doncaster this weekend

Thought Hull were really slick with the ball, particularly in that first half. Sezer, Asiata, Pryce and Borough were combining really well. 


Regarding Sam Eseh, I thought he was quite good - had his leg strapped heavily which may have restricted him but I still worry about his lateral movement at times and his general fitness. But he ran the ball in strong and put himself in a good position for the try, hit hard defensively. Tough one for club and player - he's probably in the perfect place for his development at the moment. Coming back to Wigan and being 6th choice might not be the best thing for him. Wigan also have to make their own judgement as to whether he's the best fit for that role or they may prefer one of the academy lads like Harvey Makin or Kian McDermott.