I've been saying for a few years that we need a shake up in the conditioning team. Leeds change theirs every few years, as do other clubs, yet we've had the same one for years now. Yet another part of the club that doesn't get looked at for improvement.

I was told by a reputable s&c coach about ten years ago that Hull were years behind on conditioning, and it appears nothing has really changed since then. It was all just schoolboy stuff with gym sessions being a bench press competition followed by loads of steady state running. Think Gentle had some good ideas, but took the knowledge with him.

Up to squad number 39 now!

Anyone willing to make predictions for the weekend?

One set of fans will be disappointed?

Walker
Wynne
Griffin
Simm
Mcintosh
Hookem
Gale
Taylor
Houghton
Fash
Lane
Longstaff
Lovodua

Brown
Satae
Severs
Laidlaw

To be honest, its a complete lottery who will play where until Sunday, but that's how id maybe line up

Walker
Simm
Griffin
Wynne
Mcintosh
Hookem
Gale
Taylor
Houghton
Fash
Lane
Longstaff
Brown

Satae
Laidlaw
Lovodua
Severs

Think BH will go with Lovodua at 6 and Hookem on the bench though

Who ever gets picked as long as they give 100% . We need to get behind the lads COYH

Yes. There will be an absolute shat storm on here when we lose.

Your right there. Be nice if we all got behind the young lads but it won't happen

Looks like it's gonna be too pretty different line ups to what we're both used too.

Hopefully both teams can put on a good show.

Wonder if Fishwick is playing for you lot? The kid looks a man mountain at 17!

Big ask to throw a 17 year old prop in though mate.

Agree

Laidlaw is only 18 for us....

Maybe sink or swim time then for these young guns.
If they make the 17s hopefully neither coach will leave them sat there for 80 minutes. It annoys me when they talk them up and tell us they trust them then don't give them a go.

Be interesting to see if Rovers play any academy kids, for all Smiths plus points he didn't bring many academy players through.

I suppose he could point the finger at the COHA,
Danny M is stuck with the same academy lads that Smith didn't have faith in though so I guess we'll see on Sunday

I work with his dad Dave, Zach been working hard in training he's a monster.

I honestly think Hodgson is a soft touch, no wonder the players are taking the , someone provide me with some logical reason why Houghton hasn't been dropped and Lovodua and Balmforth installed...........

If its the same conditioning and Physios it wont.
I certainly dont think we handle hamstring injuries very well and several times we have brought back players too early only for it to happen again.
Tuimavave and Mau are examples of this
Leg massage and sitting in a jacuzzi doesnt cut it in todays modern sports injury science.
The achilles and calf injuries we now see so often is more likely to be lack of correct foot support in the players footwear.
Orthopedic foot support should be made available to the players and some will need specialist fitting orthotics.
This was recognised several years ago by British Athletics.Many athletes were breaking down with calf and Achilles injury and they were all wearing running shoes that had little or no support.
Most top athletes now have specialised fitting orthotics

Some players arnt keen on him either .

some supporters are losing faith in him also

He isn't going anyway. Don't know where this players don't like him. He's getting rid of them so that's sorted. We needed a clear out and he's doing it. Looking to bring young players in. Academy top notch.

Anywhere drifting of topic. We have a thread on Hodgson.

Its difficult to criticise Houghton too much even given his short comings when he is being flogged week after week playing 80 minutes.
At least with Houghton he usually gives 100% on the field.
That said if Houghton is not rotated on Sunday then this coach has lost the plot.
Have to say not to include Balmforth is puzzling given our ruck speed and distribution is so slow