Agree on this and let's be honest there weren't many senior players that covered themselves in glory against Huddersfield either.

I do think the problem with Turgut is he seems to be trying too hard rather than just going out and playing. Think that showed against Huddersfield with his passing as he seemed to be almost panicking to pass. The kid has ability and has tried to make his mark in what is really his first real regular stint at this level.

Take Bowden and Green as two perfect examples when they first got a chance neither were startling having fair and awful games along the way. Many wanted shot of Green but he has now started to show he can be a regular in the 17. Bowden again very similar though showed more than Green early in his career but has really come on in the last 2-3 seasons and one of the most improved players. Turgut is no different and will be better fir the learning curve and experience this season.

Would have Turgut in the 17 ahead of Downs as based on what I've seen of them both.

As an opposition fan I couldn't agree more. After Chris Hill (in general rather then this seasons form) and maybe Adam Cuthbertson, I rate Watts as one of the best in the league. He would be in my England 17 along with Graham, Hill and Sam Burgess. We know Wayne Bennett will pick a team based on as many NRL based players as he can fit in though and then fill in the gaps (grudgingly) with Superleague players.

Apparently Watts won't be fit in time for Friday. Huge miss if true

It was the penalties that killed us especially at 12/12 when his penalty in our 20 led to Leeds third try.
As i have said i had great hopes for Turgut as a running second row with a bit of pace but dont see any improvement in his play unlike Masi
who hasnt played too many games but every time he plays you can see improvement.
I agree with other posters about Downs and Fash.Fash works his socks off but doesnt impact a defence and his size will probably determine whether he becomes a Super League regular or not.

I think it is early to write him off, his early season form was good and feel he has been a bit scapegoated in the last two league games, it's his first full season. You even said on another thread young players need time

... 2 penalties in total. Not the end of the world I'd have thought.

Fortunately, Radford is unlikely to pick or drop any player on the basis of one performance.

Turgut had a shocker against Hudds, did himself no favours against Leeds and has the propensity to give away petulant penalties.

Others deserve their chance ahead of him for this week at least.

See nothing but a loss against Wigan. IMO the club has bigged up trying to get to the GF far too much publicly and in a way added extra pressure. With suspensions and injuries i cant see us beating Wigan (though of course if we do ill be pleased before anyone starts).

If they did not big up their chances, after last years CC win and even more so after this years, they would be accused of lacking ambition.

There is no extra pressure now to what there was 5 months ago IMO

I think we are in for a really tough night. Without wishing to sound like Shaun Wane, we are the underdogs this week.

Big time. If watts doesn't make it and talanoa won't IMO then we could be in for a long night

Also you've got to question the logic of a Player of the Year evening 48 hours before a vital game. Not suggesting that the squad are on the lash but even so, seems strange.