Re: RD 1 | Leeds Rhinos v Hull FC : Mon Feb 03, 2020 9:53 am  

The Magic Rat wrote:

A very disappointing day, although I thought Hull were very good. Their metres after contact appeared to be a massive difference between the two sides
We desperately need go forward, Ava can help provide this and hopefully Crosby gets fit and can contribute. I would be tempted to give Holroyd a go, especially if Ava is not fit. It is a tough job for a young player but it would be good to see him get a run of games at this level. I thought Prior was one of the few positives, he looks to have a good engine to say he is getting towards the end of his career.

I thought Prior was very good.

Re: RD 1 | Leeds Rhinos v Hull FC : Mon Feb 03, 2020 10:00 am  

Prior was superb given that was his debut. He will get better and better as well. Cam smith looked much improved also which is great news. Gale did well and will also get better. I'd be very surprised if recruitment didnt step up considerably after yesterday

Re: RD 1 | Leeds Rhinos v Hull FC : Mon Feb 03, 2020 10:09 am  

joanne callotte wrote:

I have respect for everyone that pulls on a shirt.....

However, Handley has no bottle whatsoever, and shouldn't be anywhere near the first team.

He was nowhere to be seen for either Naulogo try, or the break that Tuimavave finished off.

It's all very well scoring tries - that is a wingers job, but when it comes to defense - there is nothing there.

Constantly flying in for an intercept - which i think actually did save another try later on with fingertips - but its a 1 in 10 success.

Also bear in mind that he was eyeing up a centre position. Could you imagine?

Re: RD 1 | Leeds Rhinos v Hull FC : Mon Feb 03, 2020 10:26 am  

I think the gap between the top 4 of Saints, Wigan, Wire and Hull and the rest is pretty significant - I think we’ll be one of the better teams of the next group, so not slitting my wrists just yet.

Prior was fantastic - massive minutes, massive workload, crucial defence, but he’ll end up injured/knackered as he was a bit of a Lone Ranger.

Lots of passengers in the squad, players who would be squad fillers elsewhere, but are top 17 for us. Very little zip or pace in the team, not helped by such erratic service from the dummy half.

There is just no danger in our team - very predictable, but I think we’ll still be a cut above the bottom 3 teams.

Re: RD 1 | Leeds Rhinos v Hull FC : Mon Feb 03, 2020 10:34 am  

Saints Wigan and Wire had their blips ,but didn't have a decline like we have for so long . Saints and Wire also built new stadiums too. . I thought after 18 it would be a playing squad building priority.

Re: RD 1 | Leeds Rhinos v Hull FC : Mon Feb 03, 2020 10:46 am  

I've been saying all Preseason our backline is one of the poorest in the league. Bar Walker offer next to nothing creative. We need two new centres and wingers in my opinion. Appreciate will take at least 2 years now.
Pack will hold its own if we can keep Ava and Prior fit.
I tend to listen to Leeds on radio these days and don't invest too much time, as for a club of our stature and resources I can accept a poor year here, and there. But this situation is very hard to accept....

Re: RD 1 | Leeds Rhinos v Hull FC : Mon Feb 03, 2020 10:48 am  

Seth wrote:

Without quality investment in the pack as the priority this team will continue to be outmuscled and frustrate. 2 props on the bench is a must everyweek.

Exactly this, as soon as it was known Ava was out Holroyd should have been named in the 17. I know he is still young but at least he has some size about him which is what we were always going to miss against a huge Hull pack. We probably still wouldn't have won but it couldn't have been any worse.

Re: RD 1 | Leeds Rhinos v Hull FC : Mon Feb 03, 2020 11:07 am  

fanstanningley wrote:

Have they accepted mediocrity not sure about that we have recruited and Agar has said today they are looking for a middle forward but will not sign one unless hes the right man.Lot's of knee jerking on this forum its the first game.

They have employed a second tier coach and surrounded him with second tier support, JJB - no coaching experience, James Webster - a failure everywhere he has been. Nothing he did last season would suggest he will drive the squad to better performances. The squad is poor - it may well be in transition but Wigan and Saints have both gone through transition and they have never been anywhere near the bottom in on season let alone 3 of the last 4. The 3/4 line is terrible - where is the threat - Hurrell couldn't get a game in the NRL and is a defensive liability as well as offering little in attack? The halves are slow and old, the hooker position - key in the modern game has been criminally under-invested. It could be that they are expecting Johnson to be the next big thing and we have to wait but Dwyer simply cannot read a game. It is a squad that lacks pace and skill.

Either they are in a holding pattern and they have the next generation of youngsters who will transform things and we all have to wait but if Newman playing on the wing to accommodate Sutcliffe is anything to go by they don't have a lot of trust in these youngsters. There are quite a number out of contract at the end of the year but you will more difficult to attract quality players if you have a poor/cheap coach and a poor under invested team. Things only go one way and that shouldn't be the case with a club as good/famous as Leeds

Re: RD 1 | Leeds Rhinos v Hull FC : Mon Feb 03, 2020 11:14 am  

I would be getting rid of Hurrell as soon as possible. Replacement for Hurrell, two wingers and a further addition in the middle required to improve us.

Re: RD 1 | Leeds Rhinos v Hull FC : Mon Feb 03, 2020 12:07 pm  

Shabino wrote:

I've been saying all Preseason our backline is one of the poorest in the league. Bar Walker offer next to nothing creative. We need two new centres and wingers in my opinion. Appreciate will take at least 2 years now.
Pack will hold its own if we can keep Ava and Prior fit.
I tend to listen to Leeds on radio these days and don't invest too much time, as for a club of our stature and resources I can accept a poor year here, and there. But this situation is very hard to accept....

Agreed