Mark_P1973:



Like you've said, we are still going to be in the mix, and if i was a betting man, i'd back us to win the big games when it matters

Just had a quick look to last season and we had lost 2 games at the same point, but then lost back to back against Hull away and Wire in July and again away to Leeds in August (where we looked shot at to be honest) as thats where we had that run of games to catch up for the WCC. 


so, we arent too far off points wise, but i think some of our results were more convincing last season


KR losing 2 games definitely gets us back in with a chance of LLS, whereas 2 weeks ago after losing to Leigh it looked like being 6 points behind


I think the playoffs this season could be very interesting with 5 sides going well (KR, Wigan, Leigh, Saints and Leeds), and all capable of beating each other on a given day.


re injuries we've had them in previous seasons, and have had spells with both French and Field out. The challenge for the rest of the team is to step up and ensure we dont miss them, although especially French we all know is capable of something special so difficult to replace that individual brilliance. It looks like we are managing Thompson's game time this year, and with Havard / O'Neill and Miski all coming back from long term injuries, they should all be fresh and fit come the business end of the season. The main concern at the minute is 2nd row where we have been heavily reliant on Faz and Junior, especially with Walters (albeit he's played prop mostly this season) being out, and could provide cover there


re Saints, they seem to have quietly crept up on the blind side, and from an outside perspective lots of the Wellens noise has quietened down and with Wigan and KR losing a couple of game probably feel they can have a shot at top 2, if not top spot. Sailor now seems to be producing, but will he retain the FB spot when Welsby is back? 

Phuzzy:

I think it's an interesting take to say the "golden generation" tag was mocked Stu. I don't think it was as such. Most people just cautioned against the unreasonable expectations that were being put forward. You mention that 4 appear to be doing well at the moment but that's still a long way from what was being put forward. There are equally as many that haven't gone anywhere near as well, including the 2 Wigan have signed. 


As I remember it, the overriding opinion was that 2 or 3 regular first team players out of any given age group would be a good return. Anything more, a bonus. As it stands you have 1 regular who gets in above the other options (Robertson) and 3 who get in as cover or rotation. That seems about par to me so far. 


I do think there is strong evidence that the other 3 could (should already ?) go further up the pecking order but, as with all younger players, there's no guarantee of that. We've all seen players come in with a bang only to fade into obscurity further down the track. 


For what it's worth, it's good to see young players coming through regardless of the club and I hope all the "golden generation" go on to have good careers... especially the 2 heading this way over the hill

Phuzzy:

I think it's an interesting take to say the "golden generation" tag was mocked Stu. I don't think it was as such. Most people just cautioned against the unreasonable expectations that were being put forward. You mention that 4 appear to be doing well at the moment but that's still a long way from what was being put forward. There are equally as many that haven't gone anywhere near as well, including the 2 Wigan have signed. 


As I remember it, the overriding opinion was that 2 or 3 regular first team players out of any given age group would be a good return. Anything more, a bonus. As it stands you have 1 regular who gets in above the other options (Robertson) and 3 who get in as cover or rotation. That seems about par to me so far. 


I do think there is strong evidence that the other 3 could (should already ?) go further up the pecking order but, as with all younger players, there's no guarantee of that. We've all seen players come in with a bang only to fade into obscurity further down the track. 


For what it's worth, it's good to see young players coming through regardless of the club and I hope all the "golden generation" go on to have good careers... especially the 2 heading this way over the hill

Phuzzy:

I think it's an interesting take to say the "golden generation" tag was mocked Stu. I don't think it was as such. Most people just cautioned against the unreasonable expectations that were being put forward. You mention that 4 appear to be doing well at the moment but that's still a long way from what was being put forward. There are equally as many that haven't gone anywhere near as well, including the 2 Wigan have signed. 


As I remember it, the overriding opinion was that 2 or 3 regular first team players out of any given age group would be a good return. Anything more, a bonus. As it stands you have 1 regular who gets in above the other options (Robertson) and 3 who get in as cover or rotation. That seems about par to me so far. 


I do think there is strong evidence that the other 3 could (should already ?) go further up the pecking order but, as with all younger players, there's no guarantee of that. We've all seen players come in with a bang only to fade into obscurity further down the track. 


For what it's worth, it's good to see young players coming through regardless of the club and I hope all the "golden generation" go on to have good careers... especially the 2 heading this way over the hill