Quote: Paul T - HKR "Without a doubt Rovers have taken a backward step by finishing outside of the play-offs. However, IMO it’s not as bad as it feels right now. To cushion this I think NHs comment the other week sort of sums it up - Rovers went into the season with a £1.5m squad but played for most of the season with a £1.1m one. It’s not an excuse but it is relevant in the final analysis; injuries stymied the season.
On a positive note, the season has seen Josh Hodgson and Craig Hall become a force in their own right; Scott Taylor has cemented his place as a first choice prop; Paea and Mika have fared better than expected and will be even better for getting a full season under their belts; and we have had a glimpse of Rovers future from the likes of Petersen, Salter, Sheriff, Griffin and a few others.
On a negative note, CS has failed to resolve Rovers defensive frailties. I can forgive him for the odd selection blunder (Murrell in the halves), the Lovegrove/Hall switch-play, and his references to the oppositions ‘internationals’ and ‘ref-blaming,’ but I cannot forgive him for not addressing Rovers defence. I don’t believe I am being overly harsh with this comment because, the reality is, it has been Rovers downfall all season.
On next season, I remain upbeat in that CS has had a full season at the helm and is shaping a squad that will fit the style he wants to play. We’ve seen how he wants the team to play at a high-tempo, and to his credit Rovers are a very good ‘offensive’ team. If he gets the defence sorted out (Tui, Burns and Paterson might not be household names but they are no-nonsense players who I expect will tighten things up) then we might emerge as next seasons ‘dark horse’.'"
I agree with you there about the defensive frailties to me you can improve this next season by working really hard at the fitness levels to make sure that three in the tackle can be achieved for long periods. Jake Webster and Welham have had a habit of running out the line often and when it comes off its really good but unfortunately I have seen too many misses to be comfortable with this umbrella defence system. Really pleased about NH policy of getting rid of the expensive overseas players and replacing them with top quality youngsters. The trick is to tie them down to long term contracts which are beneficial to both rovers and the players and keep them happy. I would also like to see the play the ball a lot faster fighting the ground and a lot more offloads. One of the players I would offer a contract to is Danny Brough a better long term prospect and English
