I’ll review this game a little differently, if you was actually at the match, the atmosphere in the East stand was excellent, and it was fabulous to witness it again, the small number, but well supporting Leeds fans also created a great occasion. I have missed the game like this so much.

Our former great prop Karl Harrison brought on the match ball to thunderous applause, he must of really enjoyed that.

It seemed we were powering over a near full strength Leeds side for the whole of the first half, Big Chris and Ligi were almost impossible to hold, their rampaging runs kept coming, but Leeds as we did at Headingley were superb in their defence, how they hung on, as their players dropped all around I don’t know, this is where the game was won.

The second half, we never had a plan B, a spark of pace and energy from the much underrated Dwyer, seemed to revitalise Leeds, and from then on they took control for a worthy win.

I’ve never been one to scapegoat my own team if possible, it’s pretty much obvious to all who have watched over the years, how much we’ve almost depended too much on Danny Houghton, he’s been absolutely incredible, and for 40 minutes yesterday he was still the same, but it’s become obvious now, we need a class nine, so Danny can be the bench hooker if needed.

We lacked a little punch in our pack behind Chris & Ligi, sometimes we need a running forward, especially when we dominated like last night, Joe & Laney and Mau, occasionally don’t work well together, plenty of toil, just no threat.

The invention all night was lacking, once again with such dominance our halves didn’t or couldn’t make it work.

But not forgetting we are missing some pretty big hitters last night as well, Savelio Griffin, Taylor, Connor, the loss of these four alone would add to the problems of any team, and especially on Taylor, he needs to be back asap, as Big Chris cannot keep carrying the team forward perpetually.

So put the knives away, we were pretty dumb last night against a good team who soaked up all our pressure and endeavour, and hit us with the old sucker punch, well played Leeds.

Saints on Monday, much easier. Any kind of weather.

I was dubious at best about Reynolds signing when we got him.
Somebody like Widdop would have made a massive difference alongside Sneyd.

Boosted by the £5 junior and key worker tickets.

Plenty of passholders missing in East Reserved who have been there since the stadium opened which is a big worry. Chance some are on holiday or are just being cautious about being crowds, but if we've lost very loyal fans like that then it is a big worry for the finances.

While Reynolds won't be cheap it's believed Widdop is the highest paid player in the league and we don't have the funds Warrington have.

Also why would any top level player consider Hull over the big 4 and Catalans (with the sunny South of France lifestyle) right now? Our last Grand Final was when some of the younger players were kids. We are a mid table attraction when it comes to contract offers sadly.

. Well said.

Agreed! Well said!

Maybe. It has however nothing to do with DNA or muscle memory. It might have something todo with psychological conditioning and/or the lack of ability within the playing squad.

There are very few coaches who can come in to a club and get a different style of play, and ultimately a different result with the same set of players.

This isn't on Hodgson for me at all. The ownership of the club need to support him now, and put romance and nostalgia aside and ask him what he wants from his squad. I cannot believe he would come out and say that Sneyd and Houghton are the 7 and 9 that he wants above anyone else to build his side around.

I would be trying to move on Fonua, Sneyd, JJ (Houghton to be the bench spot hooker), Bowden, Masi at the minimum. That would give us some good cap space to revamp the playing squad

I agree with you but doubt many would take Fonus and Sneyd with the money they are on.

I don't have Sneyd in our top 5 earners - at least he shouldn't be, as he isn't an International.

Fonua will be hard to shift

Wests contributing towards Reynolds wage will help though

Never been the same since picking up the injuries.Chris Green the same .
Not the same players who played back up to Taylor and Watts and with little noticeable loss in impact
I have a feeling this may happen to Taylor and he becomes an injury liability

I agee about Widdop he is a class act but Sneyd?
Totally overrated and not now even the best kicker in the game either from hand or conversions..Comes up with the odd 40/20 and a kick to the corner but apart from that his passing is on a Houghton level and he seems to stifle our attack in the opposition 20 instead of taking the line on and committing defenders.Saw big Chris stand outside of a team huddle when Sneyd was talking to the players.Maybe like us he wants more action from Sneyd rather than a voice.
He is one of several big names who i would try and move on including Houghton,Fonua ,Reynolds and Bowden and try and give Hodgson some funds to bring in players
We have to add some pace into this team especially in the halfs and at nine and the coaches need to look seriously at this teams indiscipline and do something about it.

Is the world about to end, or have we lost a rugby match?

When we lose, it's LR's fault, when we win we're the bee's knees.

nice one rider,well written.