Re: Play-off Semi Final: Toulouse (A) : Sun Oct 13, 2024 10:03 pm  

Last year we finished 3rd but equally we were a loss away from being Halifax and out the play offs. This year it was a little more comfortable but you look back at some of those results and ask what might have been if Toulouse would have travelled to Odsal to play that game. So does it feel like progress, perhaps slight progress but I'd imagine the board will be a little disappointed given the investment in the team.

Recruitment for 2025 looks strong though and should address some of the weaknesses of this year's side.

Re: Play-off Semi Final: Toulouse (A) : Sun Oct 13, 2024 10:35 pm  

Great atmosphere in the Southbank today, I think the 2 sin bins did for us. So disappointing after the effort put in. Cracking game though, Be interesting to see what happens if Toulouse win next week.

Re: Play-off Semi Final: Toulouse (A) : Mon Oct 14, 2024 5:56 am  

Also, what a time to lose one of our key players - Tom Holmes. Lehmann tried hard but it was a tough ask to slot in at the last minute and play in that type of game.

Re: Play-off Semi Final: Toulouse (A) : Mon Oct 14, 2024 6:45 am  

Wigan Bull wrote:

Has there been anything in the press on whether Toulouse or London will remain full time?

It's a tough ask remaining full time when there's no potential SL carrot at the end.
It would make for a better comp too if everyone is structured the same off the field.

The past few seasons have had an air of Wigan in the late 80's and early 90's about it

London arent fulltime havent been for years

[Bullseye]

Re: Play-off Semi Final: Toulouse (A) : Mon Oct 14, 2024 8:28 am  

Frustrating result that. We were in front for good spells. Managed to go in front while Gill was binned. Forced them into heaps of mistakes. Then a couple of quickfire tries while Myers was binned ruined it. Appo's late effort came a bit too late. Reminded me a bit of the Fax match where we didn't take advantage of our really good spell before halftime. We need to be more clinical. Shame to lose Fulton - would be interested in seeing that challenge given he went off for an HIA and didn't return. Wonder if that was his last game for us?

In terms of the season we have made progress since last year. We're building a decent squad, that does tend to take a few years. As was said above we were a more comfortable 3rd than last year and therefore the best semi-pro team. We really should've won yesterday so it's a disappointment that it's all over.

Areas to improve next year - discipline, kicking game and being more clinical in taking our chances. Hopefully the incoming halfbacks will help with some of that.

Re: Play-off Semi Final: Toulouse (A) : Mon Oct 14, 2024 10:35 am  

Think it shows how far we have come that we're all incredibly disappointed not to have beaten Toulouse at their place.

We've come a long way since the 9th place finish two seasons a go.

The signings we've already made will improve us even more and should address the issues we've had this season.

Re: Play-off Semi Final: Toulouse (A) : Mon Oct 14, 2024 5:03 pm  

Everyone knows Wakefield are going up this year, so this result doesn't matter aside from a day in Wakefield next weekend.

The real target is surely next season. London will have their squad cherry-picked, and I don't see Toulouse being as good next year (how long can Pelisier and Hansen go on?). We've recruited well, and if we can eliminate the tendency to throw games away by one point or fashion draws out of almost certain wins, then I see no reason why we shouldn't aim for the top slot. Then, if we have to play Toulouse, it will be at Odsal and I'd fancy our chances!

Whether can get enough IMG points to displace someone from SL is another matter.

Re: Play-off Semi Final: Toulouse (A) : Mon Oct 14, 2024 5:16 pm  

I was more gutted last year, especially given how it panned out with London.

This year the final very likely counts for little so they're going to have to work alot harder to market it in 2025. A good start would be to play the match at a neutral venue like a proper final!! The Shay would be a perfect size and Halifax are unlikely to be involved.

[Bullseye]

Re: Play-off Semi Final: Toulouse (A) : Mon Oct 14, 2024 6:42 pm  

Bully_Boxer wrote:

A good start would be to play the match at a neutral venue like a proper final!! The Shay would be a perfect size and Halifax are unlikely to be involved.