Looks to me a definite no try to be, I'm sure you can see the arm that scores the try touch the ground with the ball in it and then put it over the line. The fact that he gets up to start to play the says to me he didn't think it was a try.

Totally agree, I like to be more competive in all games and keeps the season going longer, at best with some luck we could sneak 6th, but likely to be 8th or 9th. Smith needs another recruitment window and another year to develop the young lads.

Was a good run out for the players in tricky conditions against a capable championship side, was impressed with Doncaster, wouldn't be shocked to see them in the play offs come the end of the season.

As for Hull, there was some good signs and some lingering concerns. Morgan Smith was an unexpected stand out for me, thought he made a really good first account for himself. Pele's game time was also good to see, he certainly looks like he could start rather then coming off the bench, both would be good options to have. A bit rusty in attack at times, however in the first friendly it is to be expected. However when things stuck/click it was pretty entertaining stuff.

The one negative that I cant help but have concerns over was discipline. It really has been our Achilles Heel now for some time and even against championship opposition it killed us in parts. I'm hoping that a run out with the new rules in play gives the players a greater feel of how much tolerance they now have.

I’m not sure yesterday gave me too much clarity on how we’ll line up against Wigan (& then rovers). I reckon for next game, he’ll cut the squad down but still play 20 players (21 if tag plays). I’m guessing something like that:

1. Walker
2. McIntosh
3. Carlos
4. Sutcliffe
5. Tindall
6. Brown
7. Hoy
8. Ese’ese
9. Houghton
10. Ashworth
11. Okunbor
12. Sao
13. Fash
14. Smith
15. Pele
16. Brown
17. Scott
18. Cator
19. Balmforth
20. Staveley
21. Tag

We’re still definitely prop & second row short imo

I like Severs and feel he could make the step up - same with Staveley

https://hullfc.mysportsonline.uk/video/ ... eason/5800 Highlights online now

https://hullfc.mysportsonline.uk/video/ ... eason/5800 Highlights online now

I’m happy with those options if they’re playing at prop but sadly Sao is playing back Row and fash 13.

Gardner appears to be next in line and sadly I don’t think he would be a stand out player in the championship. Smith obviously not confident in Diakate.

I like the look of staveley but smith doesn’t seem sure yet and severs looks like a classy back rower with good footwork, just needs a few more KG’s behind him

Can see Cator and Fash getting in the 17 but not lane. With a big pack think we need players like Fash and Cator around the 17. Grafters who will do all the dirty work

Fash in the 17 is perfectly fine with me now that we've added some much needed size. He's been having to play like a battering ram the last couple of years despite not having the physique for it. The newer boys can take this role over and Fash will, as he always has, be a workhorse through the middle. Pele likely won't take a carry every set, but you can guarantee Fash will put his hand up to take it in. While Pele and Herman will likely be looking to make yards after contact or slip an offload out, we need Fash to be looking to get to the floor quick and look for a quick play the ball which we can play off the back off. I can see him starting to really improve on his ball handling aswell now and start throwing out passes more.
He'll keep us solid defensively in the middle aswell.
Every team needs a workhorse middle and Fash will do that job well for us in my opinion.

I do share a little of the concerns of Bonaire and would hope we don’t see all 3 of Fash, Cator & Lane in the 17. Of the 3 I can only see Fash and likely Cator being regulars in the 17 with a fully fit squad. Guess a lot will depend on where Fash is used. I’d hope we see Balmforth or Smith on the bench at least to spell Houghton so for Cator and Lane to get in they’d have to be on top form. Hopefully Severs & Staveley will be given a genuine opportunity to stake a claim in the SR. Think Scott could well force his way into the 17 too.

Do think we look very weak in the SR especially if Ashworth is in the front row with Sao, Ese Ese & Pele. Though if Brown can step up with an increased size in the pack and Ashworth & Okunbor in the SR then it’ll leave only one of Fash or Cator at 13.

Be interesting to see how it plays out as the season goes along.

Herman saying they were sloppy at discipline especially at square marker!

I’m seriously concerned about our discipline and a lot on this board have been for years.
Just way too many penalties and errors like knock ons

If we beat Rovers then our discipline needs to be red hot and I can’t see it being

Sao and Okunbor played 2nd row yesterday and looked good. I think they will be our starters.
Ashworth can play there and yesterday showed he had a good pair of hands for a forward too.
Brown, Fash and Cator as further back up isn't too shabby.
If everyone is fit I can see Lane missing out.
We also have some decent youngsters coming through.
I'm not overly concerned at all.
My only hope is that we massively improve our discipline.

I don’t get playing Fash at Loose Forward.

I know the role has become diluted in the past few years since Sculthorpe, Sir Kev and SOL have retired. Never mind Knocker, Casey, Harry Pinner and Mick Adams in the 80’s.

However, I still think a Loose Forward should be classed as a creative pivot. I like Fash, he’s a 100% committed grafting forward. First into the tackle and also willing to run the ball in. However, he has never been a ball handler. I’m fine with Fash playing Prop, but we need to get more imaginative at LF.

It is a role we need to redevelop and we continue our transition. More recently we’ve had Grimaldi, Jason Smith, McMenamy, Cooke and Westerman in that that role, that could put someone through a gap.

I’m not sure Cator at LF is the answer either. I know Joe had a horrid time out with injuries, however I can’t remember many times last season when he was that creative. However, early days but Joe did look ok during his spell at Hooker yesterday.

I just think over the next year, we need to find a better solution at Loose Forward.