I think the pessimism comes from their performances against top teams which, let's be blunt, is the polar opposite of ours. 


That said, this is the derby and anything can happen. Like many of you,  I remember beating them with kids when everyone and their dog had Saints by at least 20+ so nothing is impossible. 


I still expect us to win though but won't be confident until the proverbial fat lady sings! 

Starting props next week - Walters and Byrne. Mago doubtful and Dupree out so the three forwards on the bench Hill, Ellis & O'Neil plus Forber. HullFC have a big pack so it will be a real battle up front.


Hopefully our halves and backs can help out. 

Probably a good job it wasn't or the ref would've been under enormous pressure to red card Walters

I disagree mate. Mbye made no attempt to wrap his arms round Eckersley, Bennison slipped into Walters.

That's how I saw it but the ref would still be under pressure, a different angle on the Mbye one from the one they showed on the big screen would be interesting, I thought it was hard to see where first contact was made.Seen Cade Cust got a straight red for a head shot this afternoon, there but for the grace of god and all that

Also, these obstruction plays; seems to me all too often forwards in front of the ball (like Dupree) just stand there like puddings. I just watched the Bulldogs (excellent), and twice Kikau was in that situation, and straightaway he ran sideways, straight out of the action. And, of course, play continued. Our forwards must learn to do the same. Either run right through the line wilthout running into anyone, or run sideways to get the hell out.