Agree, thought it was a good effort by the boys tonight. Very impressed with McDonnell

Need to dust ourselves down and go again.
Widnes away isn't a foregone conclusion.
We need to put right a horribly inept performance at their place last year.

Next 2 games are must wins, or the negativity will build and people will start to question Gentle.

classic case of the scoreline not reflecting the whole game. apart from a mad 10 minutes where we dropped off a few tackles, possibly due to fatigue having hardly had the ball in the second half, we did pretty well. monaghan will beat just about anyone to a high ball in the corner it is his speciality. thought we stuck at it pretty well and almost scored the try of the game at the end. work to do but a decent performance

Some already are. You just replied to one of them.

Stop talking shoite Mr Moderator.
I say it as I see it.

So you don't doubt Gentle?


I'm sure you do. Thing is, folk often see what they want to. Happens on here all the time.

Bloke sat infront of me said "Its like Agar all again", I think he was being serious aswell.

I aren't as convinced as many on here obviously are.
It's his first attempt, he's got a hell of a lot to prove.
If he takes us to the next level nobody will be happier than me.

Positives:
Shannon looked brilliant. Great under the high ball and kick returns, acts as another half in attack, and his break was pure class. What a step!
We, again, matched one of the top teams in the comp for 55-60 mins of the game.
Our passing looked confident and when we pushed the passes, it seemed more controlled rather than panic.
Horney showed he does have a kicking game, first half especially.
Tom Lineham.

Negatives:
Consistency. Again, only a 3/4 performance. We need to play for the full 80 to properly challenge the top sides.
Our forwards lacked aggression in defence around the 60mon mark and we got caught by Wire's quick PTBs.

Disappointed, but encouraged. It's no lack of effort or even 'x factor' IMO, just not complete performances. Put Ellis, Watts, DJ in there, with fully fit Tickle and Houghton/Azza interchanging, we are a much better side.

So I wasn't talking 'shoite' then?

Hull don't look far off. Very good defensively, but a bit blunt in attack which means you're under pressure too much. Holdsworth missing was a big blow in that respect, obviously and a marginal improvement could make life a lot easier - tipping point and that. By the same token, if that doesn't happen and you're defence deteriorates a wee bit you'd be struggling.
Horne was probably the best half of the first half. McDonnell looks good with ball in hand, but getting shoved off my Myler for Riley's second try was poor - kind of the reverse of the rest of the team.
Lineham, similar to Caro for us, has all the physical attributes but needs to think quicker - he'll be better for that game.

It wasn't difficult for Gentle to be better than Agar, he's not without faults and should be criticised accordingly.
Heremaia was the wrong choice at seven, Pitts didn't come on until well in to the second half when our other forwards(most notably Lynch ) were too far gone and he hasn't replaced Moa (though that could be down to Bomber).