: Sun Feb 22, 2009 9:45 am  

I thought it was the right decision to go for two. When we try to run kickable penalties we never complete the set, it happened again in the first half when Vinnie Anderson threw an intercept on the third tackle after trying to run it.

But I agree with the overall sentiment, we need better than Lowes.

: Sun Feb 22, 2009 9:52 am  

The fact that every time the camera pans to him, he's lay flaked out like he's in Benidorm suggests to me he's not quite with it. If he's not 'lay down' he's bemoaning a decision, contrast this with say Justin Morgan (who I can't stand) and the No try from Friday, he didn't agree with the decision, which was key to the match, but he's calm, passive almost.

The fact that we haven't won since August, jeepers. It's not good is it ? 66 pts conceded, would be more like 78 if Long had kicked better last week, that suggests to me the issues we all have raised, or say 'concerns' that we all had have not been rectified, if anything they've magnified.

I think this is the first time I've ever, and I mean ever said anything like this before in regards to anyone at our club, I'm the most patient person but i'm sorry,

Lowes Out !

Act now, save the season, if the reply is 'give him time', he's had since August and we haven't won a game, conceding god knows what, I'd estimate an average taking into account Castleford away, Catalans away twice etc of say 35 points a game. It's not good enough. I believe, rightly or wrongly that the players are (good enough), so give us a coach who proves beyond doubt where the problem lies, get a coach who's credentials cannot be questioned.

: Sun Feb 22, 2009 10:02 am  

The way you play the ruck alone indicates that Lowes is 10 years out of step with the rest of the competition. Only two men into the tackle then slowing the PTB down by pushing the tackled player (several times) as he gets up is only going to lead to the highest penalty counts in the history of the competition. The ref could ewasily have awarded a penalty against you at almost every tackle last night. If you'd had Bentham there would have been 20 penalties for offside as well (Lee Briers was practically in the Cat's backline on some plays).

: Sun Feb 22, 2009 10:10 am  

It annoys me when we do this against saints, as we all know that the only way to do it is to score more points than them!! I bet most of those who sat on them cold steps last year are regretting it so far.

: Sun Feb 22, 2009 1:29 pm  

sally cinnamon wrote:

I thought it was the right decision to go for two. When we try to run kickable penalties we never complete the set, it happened again in the first half when Vinnie Anderson threw an intercept on the third tackle after trying to run it.

But I agree with the overall sentiment, we need better than Lowes.

And how negative is that thinking. We need to take the two because we will not complete the set?!! I hope you are being ironic!

: Sun Feb 22, 2009 1:35 pm  

For me I would always take an easy 2 points and get the ball back. I thought going for goal was the right choice. If we'd have been taking it way out by the touchline I would have argued for the 6 but from right in front like that I would always take the goal. If we'd have dropped the ball by not going for the penalty everybody would be whinging about us not taking an easy two points.

It's the same with an interception. If you go for it and miss you're an idiot. If you go for it and get it you're a hero.

Damnned if you do and damnned if you don't.

: Sun Feb 22, 2009 1:44 pm  

My take on Lowes is that he's (by his own accord) been rushed into a head coach's role. He seemed to spit his dummy out when he was overlooked for the Salford job and immediately left for Warrington (word is/was that he was promised the head coach's job if and when Cullen left).

Now, I'm not doubting he has a great rugby brain, nor do I doubt that he has played under some top quality coaches, but what I am doubting is that he is ready just yet. If we take Mike Gregory for example, after his playing days ended, he went into assistant coaching - he was assistant under Shaun Mcrae at Saints - then onto head coaching at Swinton and coaching England Academy. This way, he was out of the hot seat in terms of media spotlight and pressure from supporters/the board for results, but was cutting his teeth and learning the coaching trade. He didn't coach his first 'big club' untill 2003, when he took charge of Wigan. In the unfortunately brief time he was there, he took a Wigan side that, in all fairness, was little more than average, to a Grand Final (from third) and to a Challenge Cup final.

By contrast, Jimmy Lowes seemingly went straight into Assistant coaching following retirement from playing, then had his heart set on becoming Head Coach. Whether this is a bit of arrogrance, naiivity, or a blend of both, I'm unsure, but I don't feel he is ready for Head Coaching. He sort of reminds me of Tony (Casper) Smith, who made the plunge from assistant at Wakefield to Head Coach after McNally left. I felt that he had a great rugby brain and perhaps looked cut out for coaching, but to jump in so soon and then come up short leaves you with an immediate negative reputation and probably puts an end to your coaching career before it's had chance to really begin.

Re: Lowes doesn't know what he is doing... : Sun Feb 22, 2009 2:12 pm  

mark_m wrote:

..and I say that purely based on the ridiculous decision to signal for two when we had field position five metres out from the opponents line and they were just reduced to 12 players.

Shocking decision on so many levels.

Agreed 100%

: Sun Feb 22, 2009 2:17 pm  

Foz wrote:

It annoys me when we do this against saints, as we all know that the only way to do it is to score more points than them!! I bet most of those who sat on them cold steps last year are regretting it so far.

Not really, a change was so obviously needed, what i didn't anticipate was the appointment of Lowes (no experience as a head coach), Nigel Wright (no experience as an assistant) and Nigel Halmshaw (no experience as a head of strength and conditioning).

: Sun Feb 22, 2009 2:49 pm  

Hardcore Legend wrote:

Not really, a change was so obviously needed, what i didn't anticipate was the appointment of Lowes (no experience as a head coach), Nigel Wright (no experience as an assistant) and Nigel Halmshaw (no experience as a head of strength and conditioning).

Agreed.

This post could just have easily been entitled "The Board Don't Know What They're Doing".

They gave Lowes the improved contract and with it the permission to appoint his own backroom team (including his mate from his gym to do the conditioning!). I get the feeling that what is happening on the pitch is a reflection of what is happening throughout the club as a whole - everyone comfortable because they have the backing of Moranovich and no likelihood of being sacked so why should they upset the status quo.

The general management of the club is an absolute sodding joke and has been since we went to the HJ. Bear in mind they got the ground for free so they haven't had to do that much apart from keep it going and they do nothing that makes you think they're worried about anything as they have SM's mandate. Hoyle should be shifted and the rest need to up their game.

If you're reading this Simon I'll be a board non-exec for nothing if you like and ask all the bone questions that you may feel nervous about raising*. I actually don't think it's you who's at fault as you've put the money down but seriously, you need to shake that place up/out or we'll be getting more of the same for this season and the rest.

* By the way I'm serious.