We haven't really had a settled side at any point, and I don't feel like we have pulled up any trees in any game, so to be sitting 4th is really pleasing when you consider that we have a lot of improvement in us. The next 2 are obviously going to be a big test, but if we could come up with a real statement win by beating Saints away then people might start taking notice.

I'd be quite happy to give Saints a game, im sure the last 3 or 4 against them, they have put 40 points on us.

Reynolds just did okay against Catalan true.

Unfortunately he can’t be trusted to be okay against Saints or not do something stupid.

Lovodua won’t let us down and displays everything we ask for in our players e.g. commitment and desire.

For now Lovodua has to stay at 6, gives us some pace and a running threat, neither Gale or Reynolds have.

It's just up to Hodgson to decide who plays 7.

Interesting weekend coming up. Would imagine the Top 4 will all be favourites and if they win would put a cushion between them and us. On the other hand Wigan and Hudds might rest a few pre cup final. Some intriguing fixtures.

I've got an awful feeling that Wigan's "rest" week was last week and they'll go into this weekend full strength

Could well be right!

can't see either wigan resting anyone, just hope some of their minds are on the final and a few errors creep into their game

could be 3 mini leagues end of saturday evening

1-4
5-8
9-12

Pretty much but it mattered not

For those who said a priority was improved home form, you can't really argue with 6 on the bounce. Beaten Warrington, Catalans, Toulouse and Wigan in our last 5 games, just losing to Saints. Interesting few games coming up including Catalans away and I think there are signs of improvement in Warrington too. Wonder how Huddersfield will go after the cup as well, they've exceeded expectations so far.

So we're 6th assuming Rovers get a decent win tomorrow, gap of 4 points to Cas, but form on a downward spiral and without Connor, Carlos, Lane, Savelio, Cator, Mitch, McNamara.

What do we do about the halves? Think we need Lovodua starting somewhere in the spine (not ideal but has to play there IMO). McNamara weeks off still.

Will need some luck to make the 6 on current trajectory but hopefully Cas and Leeds will continue their erratic form and we can manage it.

You play Hookem at 7
Lovodua at 6
Balmforth on the bench to spell houghton
Mitch at centre, one of the teams best defenders yet can't get a game
I'd even put Wynne back at fullback

Need to stop playing players in terrible form, low on confidence and who have been told they aren't needed anymore.

Mitch is injured isn't he?

I'm gonna get off the fence for you and say we won't make the 6, although, obviously hope I'm proven wrong.
I thought it would be a struggle at season commencement, mainly down to Hodgsons halves recruitment. I doubted Hodgson's signing of Reynolds but thought, well, he's been around him at Wests, (where he couldnt get a game)but surely Brett must think he can do a job for us. He unfortunately hasn't been up to it.
Wasn't over enamoured with the Gale signing either but thought with his SL experience he might be at least up to giving us a lttle leadership around the park. He's been disappointing at best.

When you said Brett must think he can do a job for us I thought you meant Brett himself as a half back. Might not be a bad idea.

I await Tarquins assessment of the result a little later.
He'll put us both right. icon_lol.gif
As for BH, do we give him the reins for another season, and a second chance, with hopefully a new 6/7 and have any faith in him getting it rght?