Been a decent first half to our league campaign IMO. League position is a fair reflection of where we are after playing everyone; couple of close wins and losses probably cancel each other out.

Standouts for me have been Danny Houghton - another 57 tackles last night - but really taking games by the scruff of the neck and in great form. Pack looks strong; Taylor has been a very good acquisition so far and Frank's made more meters than any other back rower in the comp apart from the exceptional Dave Taylor. Shaul's come of age at fullback, and it's great to see Naughton emerging. Fonua looks a prospect too, hope he can get a good run in now. Sneyd has also shown his ability to run a game, would be good to get a solid 6 to relieve some of the pressure though.

It's been a bit disappointing to see Logan disappear from the radar - started to look the real deal last year but been displaced (deservedly) by Yeaman. The loss at Widnes was a real low point, but the response has been excellent and from Yeaman's break to put Shaul through at Hull KR we've not really looked back.

In terms of stats, they look good. Highest metres made of any club in the comp. 4th for tries, 3rd for tackle busts, 2nd for clean breaks, 2nd for average gain, 2nd fewest errors. In that context, support play remains a focus.

Radford and the coaching staff should take some credit too. Our conditioning looks strong, and we're playing a more exciting style of rugby off the back of a very good pack which is being rotated sensibly.

I think we can take encouragement from this first half of the season - overall it's been better than I expected - but given we've had a relatively good injury position compared to some clubs we need to keep up the momentum. It will be good to get Ellis back - his value to the team can't be underestimated in my view. Plenty to feel positive about at this point.

Excellent post.

Really happy, we aren't far off, we have as good a squad as any other team in the league, just not quite as good a 17 as some, but that squad has reaped rewards in a tough period. Great spine of English players who are all at a good age. Thinking further into the future not much recruitment needs doing for next year which is a bonus, just some retentions and two class players at centre and stand off needed.

Players coming back will give us a boost for the next couple of games, important game next week and one we need to be winning despite Wakeys good form.

I'm pretty happy with the first half of the season. Bounced back well from the Widnes hammering.

You'd hope we'll improve, too, with Ellis, Mini, Pryce back imminently after layoffs plus warmer weather and firmer conditions should suit the likes of Pritchard and Manu.

If we can win at least seven of the remaining twelve games before the cut we should be very well placed to push on for a play off spot after the Super 8s.

Much will depend how we react to last night's defeat with two games coming up against the current form teams in the league.

Great post. It's been a long time that I've been this optimistic at this stage of the season.

How refreshing are all the positive vibes on here. We've just lost a match that perhaps we should have won but apart from the usual candidates we're all pretty upbeat. Win the next couple of games and we'll look set fair for the rest of the season.

yeah we are in a pretty good place IMO. Put it this way, as things stand we are better than last season and have a chance to make the top 4, so I don't think many fans would have grumbled about that. Shame about last night, but such is life.

Wakey game is massive.

Good summary. Nice to see the club on the up.

Spot on summary.

Fair assessment , Pleased were starting to see some consistency from Sneyd .

We are looking good. We have definatley moved forwards. We just need to stay consistent. We would all have accepted where we are had we been offered it at the start of the comp.
I think we maybe need to be just a little braver in respect of our off half position. How good are Dean and Tyson Wilson. I don't know because I last saw HTW play when he was ten. If either are good enough then perhaps they should play. That's no disrespect to Washbrook who has been a revalation off the bench. We are nearly there . The rest of our season should be faced with confidence. I think we can compete on our day with anyone. I am looking forward to the future. More Rioja anyone?

Fully agree that off half is our major problem. I like Pryce and he shows glimpses of real quality, but just don't get enough minutes from him. We need a more robust Plan B than getting Washy to fill in, as he's been doing great work elsewhere in the team.

To be honest i think we can get by with the centres we have.The priority has to be a 6.
Fonua and Tuimavave should be our starting centres when everyone is fit.
I would think the club have already started looking.Its a crucial position and teams do struggle when they lose their starting 6.
I would still take Danny Brough if he came available

I don't even think we've hit close to top gear yet, I think this team has far more to give and I expect us too get even better. I was confident of being contenders at the start of the season and I'm still very confident, I think we'll make at least one final this season.

I don't think the league is that strong (compared with previous seasons) and I don't fear for us against anyone.