Noticed Josh Mantellato not named in the squad for Wigan, is he injured?

And that is why we are in SL. Not in SL is where we'd likely be without it. Some other clubs have bigger supports and/or even wealthier benefactors. And Top 4 incumbency, which helps no doubt.

I think the cap, while certainly helping with competitive balance, lulls some into thinking all the clubs are competing on a level financial playing field.

For any of the clubs just targeting top 8 in a 12 team league, a good few losses, including a handful of heavy ones are to be expected. Dispiriting, but not surprising.

I'd like to think the appointment of Jamie Peacock, is a sign that we're trying to kick on to that next level. But equally, I'd guess Hudgell and Crossland are closer to the end of their time in charge than the beginning. We'd be wise to enjoy the bits we can for as long as we can. Hopefully we'll have a few back for Wakefield and our home form will get us a result.

Cheers for that, I was supprised when I switched on & Phill Clark was going on about how we were going to get a thumping (right as it happened) & would be lucky to score & I was quiet anoyed, untill I saw the team we had put out. do you know what is wrong with Tilse & Lunt? As I said I found it strange that no one has said what the injuries are & why Blair did not play much. Once I realised we were so under strength I feared 100 points plus. But hey its the way we are & anything could happen next week! all part of life in East Hull.

Of course not, but it isn't time to throw the baby out. Worrying lack of effort and desire though.

Noohhh! Hull fans would happily accept a 60 - 0 drubbing without criticism of the players, coaching staff or club owners. I mean, we're only a small club, happy to be punching above our weight in SL and as long as the players kiss the badge we'll continue happy clapping.......oh, hang on!

I think that is sort of the point that the duck is making.

you've had your expectations raised by relaxed and confident white knight Adam Pearson over the last few years, while ours were relentlessly managed by Craig Sandercock.

We know we're not a big club by SL standards and it's Chester's first full season so a few green shoots are sufficient. Especially given our situation at prop from pretty much day 1.

Radford, and by extension Pearson, spent a lot of political capital 'sorting out Gentle's mess' in 2014, so it's natural that Hull fans are disappointed with the lack of pay-off.

All that said though, the negativity around Hull FC seems to have taken on a life of its own. 5 and 7 isn't good, but you've certainly had worse teams and form in recent years. And pre-season it seemed like that would be mildly disappointing at worst. All the wailing and gnashing of teeth - it's a bit disproportionate, innit?