The switch off periods can't be seen in isolation. It's no good saying we were doing well, on the front foot etc. apart from the 15 mins we switched off - these periods are part of the 80 mins and are costing us games. There's much to build on. The defense is much improved, line speed better, Connor gives us variety and execution, much better ends to sets, Lumb promising much, etc., but until we can focus for the full 80, both as individuals and as a unit, none of that will matter. I don't expect to win every game, but when we do lose I expect the other team to win it, rather than us beating ourselves. This isn't about basic football skills, it's mental focus, each knowing their role and sticking to it under pressure. It's a cliche but sticking to the game plan really is key. It's a simple game - yes, speed and physical strength are important, but so is mental strength. The strength not to panic, trust that when you do you role well the team benefits, trust in your teammates to do their roles well, play to the plan. It can be taught, some players may be more receptive than others of course, that's the job of the coaching staff to work that through and make decisions on that basis. It's a team game. We all like to see exciting individuals, of course we do, but ultimately a cohesive team, one that knows what it is trying to do and how each member contributes to achieving that outcome, will always win out over a period of time. 

Not sure why you’re picking Newman and Bentley out, they both played well yesterday.

Surrendering the Wigan game is just daft. It’s arguably the best fixture to have after last nights game. The team needs stability not chopping and changing 

Didn’t think Newman did anything special last night, scored a try whoo hoo. He’s been dire for too long now.

What did Bentley do last night of note. Abysmally small for Super League level. Drops the ball a lot, penalty machine, makes little yards, no pace,. doesn’t make breaks. in his fourth season here and had about 3 good games ever. 


Players like both the above are why we are where we are, neither would get anywhere near a place in golden era sides and neither would get in any top. 6 super clubs. Our basic quality of player is sub std. the reason year in year we keep failing is fundamentally our squad is low quality, mesmerising to think we are allergy at full capacity.

Harry Newman is the incumbent England Centre, to say he wouldn’t get into a top Six SL side is ridiculous.

I agree both Newman and Bentley probably 2 of our best players.
Connor should play in the halves but does lack pace.
Holroyd in for Lisone and O`Connor for Ackers the only changes for me.