Giants struggled against a enthusiastic London last week in the first half
Is there any chance we could be enthusiastic
Is that part of the culture ? To be enthusiastic ?

Giants decided to put London to the sword after a half time rollocking

Rovers took the foot off the gas last night as they did against us last week in the 2nd half

So we will find out if we have turned a small corner or if Smith has decided that it’s all irrelevant unless we win !

I assume he’s talking about the Culture being irrelevant unless they win !

And that is my point. If your only criterion is what happens on the pitch then fair enough. But if positive changes are happening behind the scenes ‘culturally’ to help us on the field for several years ahead then I have to support that. I don’t like being hammered every week but if I can rationalise it like I have then I won’t translate my angst into calling for Smiths head

Nowadays missed tackles result in tries so I reckon this coupled with fitness may be Smiths problem with Balmforth. Houghtons tackling has been vital to us over the years, his darts from dummy half too. He’s not James Roby but never get the criticism of Houghton as a player. He’s no captain though

It’s his passing from dummy half that gets me…he always takes a step and the defence is up…all the other hookers ping it from the ground and make sure we are on the front foot.

You've hit the nail on the head re current IMG format. Whether we like it or not it is the correct decision to focus on the club's financial stability as opposed to splashing cash we don't have on players that may / may not perform well. The current situation is hard to take but it will be well worth it if it results in a stable, sustainable club with a squad that has been "developed" rather than "bought" that is capable of competing. As you say, the sports administrators penchant for a sudden U turn is our biggest risk.

I don’t think it can be a fitness thing. The kid looks shredded he has really leaned off. It’s just his ruck control in defence.

I went for a walk yesterday, through the Walton street entrance, round the stadium, then over the unlocked walkway, I noticed to the left of the stadium, the astroturfing caged courtyard, looked a right mess, it looked like it’s just been left with no maintenance, don’t really know if this area is part of the Stadium control, or others responsibility, but it seems to fall in with the rest of the malaise at present, no money, no paint I suppose.

To the game this afternoon, Saturdays don’t sit well with me to be honest, I prefer a Friday night or a Sunday, just me I suppose, with all the goodwill and hope in the world, I would love a win today, against a team, assembled with pots of money, hope I’m wrong but can see Swifty and Jake relishing the chance to send us further, the slightest pressure we fold like balserwood cut outs, fearing the worst, hoping the best.

It's going to be a nightmare this afternoon for full backs.

Good job it's a kids a quid.

Reckon it would have been a record low crowd.

Game over lol.

Another cracking start and behind again well before 5 mins have even gone. We are just beyond .

My decision not to go so far looks the right choice unfortunately

Nice try from Sutcliffe let’s hope we might have finally woken up.

No coincidence we look better when our ptb is much quicker and sharper.

I don't want to over-build, but Charles is a natural.