Harry Potter's half term report : Mon Jul 06, 2009 8:47 pm  

If we were all teachers at Hogwarts School of Rugby League, what would young Harry Potter's half-term report be like?

I must admit to being pleasantly surprised by our league position and the our run in the CC. He seems to have a decent level of control over the team and we have had some excellent results and a good level of consistency.

However I don't like his use of 'da kids' one little bit. Poor Eastmond is rested for all the easy home games when there is a full side available, yet plays out of position in what was obviously (To me anyway if not you dreamers) a turgid struggle away at Salford. How is he meant to benefit from that? The other promising kids, Wheeler, Lomax, etc are all used far too sparingly. If Eastmond is going to be our 7 next season, which no one has confirmed yet, he needs regular game time to get used to the position and the level of responsibility. Lucky for him Long got injured or we wouldn't have seen him. I wouldn't be surprised to see Wilkin at 7 despite the need for Kyle to play more regularly.

Also, I still don't feel we've hit anything like our best form. Apart from the games at Headingly and The Jungle I've never really felt we've played all that well, even when we have won. The Challenge Cup is looking decidedly open at the moment with all four teams in with more than a genuine shout. Under Millward or Anderson I would have perhaps been slightly less worried about it.

The lack of squad depth isn't Potter's fault and ultimately it will be that factor that limits our success this year as we simply can't cope with injuries.

: Mon Jul 06, 2009 9:00 pm  

I think he's doing a decent job so far. We're unbeaten in the Challenge Cup again and we're top of the league, so you can't really ask for much more than that in terms of results achieved. Both Leeds games fill me with confidence that we can turn it on when we need to.

The progression of players such as Wilkin, Clough and some of the young lads also fill me with great hope for the future.

But, I must admit I'm concerned by some of the defeats and performance levels we've had this year at times. 3 out of the 4 of the defeats were absolutely pathetic and that's a trend that can't continue. Our peformance levels at times has been shocking too, with countless errors putting us under unnecessary pressure. Thankfully, our defence has been outstanding for the most part.

But, he'll ultimately be judged on what trophies we win, so I'm still undecided at this stage.

: Mon Jul 06, 2009 9:06 pm  

8/10 so far.

: Mon Jul 06, 2009 9:10 pm  

Don.t think there has been as much pressure put on the team this season, half the time we have just gone through the motions to win but not to entertain.
Also most of the games we have lost is where the referee has allowed long time wrestle tackles with slow play the balls.
Overall the superleague appears mediocre which has allowed us to blood the young players with little risk.
Hopefully barring any more injuries Saints will step up a gear next month and be on the trophy trail again

: Mon Jul 06, 2009 9:17 pm  

I always thought potter had the hardest job of recent coaches. With some big names nearing the end and lack of depth it was always going to be tough job.

What more can we ask for? Top of league and in semi of cc.

Just hope the lack of depth don't rob him of chance of winning something.

: Mon Jul 06, 2009 9:19 pm  

Judder Man wrote:

Hopefully barring any more injuries Saints will step up a gear next month and be on the trophy trail again

This is the key month according to Mr Potter and we started it by losing to Salford.

What is the chance of Long being back for the Semi final? And KC?

: Mon Jul 06, 2009 9:24 pm  

Will he be able to transfigure someone into a long term replacement for

: Mon Jul 06, 2009 9:29 pm  

Saddened! wrote:

This is the key month according to Mr Potter and we started it by losing to Salford.

What is the chance of Long being back for the Semi final? And KC?

I think Mick Potters pre emptive was that he knows he's going to lose games this month.
I reckon we will lose another 3 games, 2 more losses this month 1 next month.
We also need KC back pronto the game before the semi.

This is also the big chance for Kyle Eastmond to step up, 8 weeks at no 7 will decide if he is going to be good enough.....I hope he succeeds and creates the next future partnership with Pyrce.

: Mon Jul 06, 2009 9:30 pm  

Saddened! wrote:

This is the key month according to Mr Potter and we started it by losing to Salford.

He did say about three weeks ago that we would be increasing our intensity from then on in, and we have actually managed to play some pretty awful rugby over the last three weeks. I'm wondering what on earth us playing at low intensity means now!

: Mon Jul 06, 2009 9:42 pm  

Judder Man wrote:

I think Mick Potters pre emptive was that he knows he's going to lose games this month.
I reckon we will lose another 3 games, 2 more losses this month 1 next month.
We also need KC back pronto the game before the semi.

This is also the big chance for Kyle Eastmond to step up, 8 weeks at no 7 will decide if he is going to be good enough.....I hope he succeeds and creates the next future partnership with Pyrce.

completely agree.
My only concern is if kyle does what matty smith did a couple of years ago and has a great run of game doing a good job and then is dropped for the playoffs because Long is back, that was very unfair IMO, but a tough decision either way.