Morgan Smith any good?

Very good from what I've read on Twitter. Apparently really lively and vocal throughout

I have to say that I've never bought into the conspiracy theories about refs not liking us, but from today's game (and I've read up on the new rules) can anybody explain to me how our tackling, and standing square, and hands in the ruck, etc. was so different from Doncaster's. We seem to be pinged relentlessly by Kendall and at one point in the first half we had either 4 or 5 six-agains given against us. I guess Tony Smith might be pleased with the tackling practice, but it did seem baffling at times.

On the match itself, as others have said, some encouraging stuff and also some typical early season fumbles. Thought Ese Ese, Pele and Tindall looked really promising and then in the second half was pleased to see the effort and intensity of our 'second string'. Think we've got a better depth of squad this season.

Only listened to the game on FC Live. Discipline sounded awful. Seen plenty of people heaping praise on Pele, Ese'ese, Morgan Smith and Cator online.

I've booked my hotel for Manchester already to avoid the rush.

Pretty excited for the Wigan match, gunna be a long two weeks

Could we see a difference in play with our new coaching set up?

Really hard to tell given the opposition..The score was more a reflection of our errors as opposed to Doncaster fairing well.

I did notice in the warm up and the game that we are seeking a much quicker PTB. I also thought the forwards were less predictable; certainly ran more varied ines, arcs and directions.

Always passing options on breaks, too.

Great to see most of the First Team getting a run out today.

Thought Pele looked a great signing, a more agile Satae with better hands. Tindall looks quick. He finished both of his tries off well and linked up nicely with Sutcliffe. Nu Brown and Morgan Smith both made good jinking breaks to set up tries.

As you’d expect we looked rusty at times, however Donny were very spirited and never gave up. The strong wind contributed to errors for both teams.

We got pinged for two incorrect PTB which is inexcusable; and several 6 again including about 4 on the spin. Didn’t have a clue what they were for, but there would be some value in inviting a referee down to training one day to give us some insight into the rules because we are our own worst enemy with indiscipline.

I was however amazed about the lack of penalties for above armpit height. I was expecting a high number today. Interestingly last week former referee Ian Smith said online about Balmforth’s try at Bradford, that if he hadn’t scored there were three attempted tackles during his run that would have warranted a penalty under the new rules. I still expect this to be a major issue in the early games in SL, but no issues today.

Finally, hoping Jordan Lane is ok. He appeared to collide with Pele whilst going in for a tackle. As much as we all moan about Kendall, at least he had the common sense to call full time and allow Jordan all the time he needed for treatment.

Overall a good day out. Their stadium is a great venue. Wishing Horney and Donny all the best for their new season in the Championship!

A few random bits from Doncaster's YouTube. Shows all their trys. The ref is explaining something to Hoy, but Pauli Pauli's 2nd try looks such a clear double movement. https://youtu.be/NuuLJnhqZ5U?si=z8pjWqUuquD7CF6c

A few random bits from Doncaster's YouTube. Shows all their trys. The ref is explaining something to Hoy, but Pauli Pauli's 2nd try looks such a clear double movement. https://youtu.be/NuuLJnhqZ5U?si=z8pjWqUuquD7CF6c

Kendall is literally stood right in front of that.

Unfortunately I was unable to get to the Doncaster game but listened to what I could of the game, read the reports of both Dan Tomlinson and the posts on here from those who went.

It sounds like it was a typical start of the season friendly in terms of being scratchy in parts which is not surprising considering the amount of changes within the squad. What seems to have stood out for me is that whilst it may only have been Doncaster, Tindall has been spoken about quite positively and that Pele did quite a few minutes. I think its still too early to say whether the style/brand of rugby is much different but certainly sounds like the players and the forwards at least are mixing up the lines they run.
Still think we are still another preseason and recruitment cycle from getting closer to the top 4 but hopefully if we play a decent entertaining brand of rugby this season, win most of our home games and still be competing in the games we lose rather than throwing the towel in by July then the future looks much more promising.

Watched it again and he carries it in with the ball in his left hand so I would guess that his left arm always remained off the floor, then he manged to transfer it into his right arm to reach out and ground it.
Can be used as an example of the importance of wrapping the ball up.

This is what people have to bear in mind. We're not going from 3rd bottom to top 4 in one off season.

We could jag 6th if things go well but I still think we'll be bottom 4.