Quote Theboyem="Theboyem"Southern seems out of shape to me. He can't play enough minutes to justify being captain. You know what he is far from my favourite player but the best bet seem to be mathers.'"
I agree. I was at a wedding and watched the match on SKY. a few observations from a concerned supporter.
1. Southern seems to have what resembles a beer belly which in the 1970s & 1980s was acceptable for a second row or prop but for a 2012 Super League full time professional it is not. He is not on the pitch enough and although can tackle seems to do little else. Bad choice for captain. When you're team is playing crap like they did last night then its the captain and other experienced players that should come to the fore but Southern wasn't even on the pitch if he was then he hid.
2. Aiton does not run from dummy half anywhere near enough and thats how London got a roll on sometimes from dummy half. We're also not turning players onto their back enough to slow the play the ball down.
3. As for defending kicks Fox was isolated under the high ball and appeared to be weak in that area with a standing jump. There should be the centres/second row blocking runners and giving the wingers protection. Cockayne dropped a high ball for a try aswell.
4. We also seemed to play with absolutely no structure/composure and played worse in the second half than the first. Going sideways and then throwing the ball into touch or an aimless kick with no runners.
This is very concerning, what did R.A. say at half time? And if they didn't listen to the game plan then he should have used his remaining interchanges just to make a point to those key pivots calling the shots for WTW and taken them off.
5. If there is little or no improvement against Cas then there must be some changes around the ruck area and subject to injuries this must include consideration of Andy Ellis at hooker with Aiton to loose forward, give Trout, Walshaw and James a run and Washbrook on the bench.
Long term if the inconsistency continues there is a very good coach at Featherstone!