Agreed. Arundel looked totally out of his depth. We looked more impressive with Heremaia on - I thought Houghton was pathetic tonight and played the game in slow motion. Sure Leeds were well up on us (something I don't understand why we couldn't do to them) but Houghton was very poor and needs to get his in gear. Our second rowers looked weak and Galea had a nightmare. Tickle and Watts would seriously help and as for Ellis it'll probably be months. We lacked size and aggression and eventually it told. The warning signs were there when we were out enthused by KR - Leeds knew that and did the same and we didn't match it again.

Positives for we're, Jason Crookes looked good in an all round awful performance from the team. Showed food pace and enthusiasm to not give in.
Heremaia added another dimension when he came on.
The kit looked nice and plenty of hull fans there.

We seriously lacked a Moa out there, Galea and Arundel didn't exist.

Not that it would have changed the result, but I think we would be better off starting with Heremia at 9. He's a better and quicker passer than Houghton, who is better scooting from dummy half against a tiring defence.

How exactly do you suggest anyone proves it one way or the other?

The club line is that we simply ran out of possible targets of the required standard. This is just as likely as your theory - more so given the dearth of decent halfbacks (look at who Wigan have signed FFS) and our proven willingness to pay a fee if necessary.

Its not quite tear up your pass time but it was a very disappointing display.

I'm willing to put the performance of the halfs down to it being early days in their partnership, however I dont see what Galea brings to the table and Arundels defence looks worrying to say the least. Our pack just got rolled, there was alot of talk in commentary about our poor kicking game, but in reality the forwards bever got us on the front foot and I actually thought Holdsworth made ok of a bad situation. We badly need Watts and Tickle back and I really hope Ellis isnt out for long.

Mid table finish??

Our forwards will certainly be better when the pitches get faster, the pitch tonight seemed to move under foot.

It's just all a bit deflating really, it's by far the best squad we've assembled in a fair few years and you look forward with optimism and see a capitulation reminiscent of the Agar era. It's ridiculous to write off the season on the back of one result but there were worryingly familiar signs.

Oh well, Bradford next...

We could well lose the 1st 4 games so after 10 we'll be well up poop creek

I see the predictable twittergasm has started already. Samaritans had better have plenty of staff on tonight.

You've got no chance.

Oh for a Manu and Moa,total lack of punch in the forwards.

What did we achieve with Manu and Moa?

That's actually quite funny.