Re: By no means a perfect performance, but what a game! : Sat Feb 09, 2013 10:15 am  

leeds owl wrote:

It was good for a neutral as it was such a close game but it was far from a classic. If the Grand final was next week I don't think many teams would be too bothered about playing Wigan or Wire. Wigans kicking game was very poor and they look vulnerable under any decent high ball. Tomkins won't get away with completely missing 2 bombs every week and they certainly had the best of the decisions. Tony Smith won't be happy with a shedload of basic errors , but in fairness their handling and combinations will improve as the weeks go by. I wouldn't say either looked a standout team tonight, but like I said, as a neutral you'd want the televised games to be as close as that every week.

You aren't familiar with teams putting their bodies on the line in February in the league rather than waiting till September. Try it sometime, you may enjoy it.

Re: By no means a perfect performance, but what a game! : Sat Feb 09, 2013 11:02 am  

I think I'm suffering from a Grand Final hangover - Don't get me wrong, last night's game was a good one, played by two closely matched sides, and with a close scoreline, it had all the ingredients.... BUT, and I think this is a major problem for the game, all throughout I couldn't help but feel that if we got beat then it really didn't matter, because, in the grand scheme of things, these league fixtures are merely a long build up to the ultimate aim in September/October.

I know many will disagree with this, but as a more casual fan than many on here, I think I represent the neutral fan who is often mentioned as the type who should be seduced by Rugby League's great entertainment and while last night was a good game, it did lack that finality that great dramatic sport should have in order to entice the casual viewer.....Think back to the Olympics - How many people were enthralled with sports that normally you wouldn't give a monkey's for?.... The simple reason they were enthralled was that there was a prize at the end of it, it actually meant something and the viewer realised this and could associate with that.

With Rugby League in its present guise, it all still has a feel of a pre season friendly - Like watching Mo Farah in a warm up meeting, 2 months before the Olympic final.... Its still ok to watch, but it does lack a certain drama.

Re: By no means a perfect performance, but what a game! : Sat Feb 09, 2013 11:03 am  

Can anyone tell me why the charge down by Rhys Evans was given as a knock ,considering the rules have been changed. Was it because he didn't re gather the ball himself but it went to a supporting Wire player ?

Re: By no means a perfect performance, but what a game! : Sat Feb 09, 2013 11:06 am  

ninearches wrote:

Can anyone tell me why the charge down by Rhys Evans was given as a knock ,considering the rules have been changed. Was it because he didn't re gather the ball himself but it went to a supporting Wire player ?

He's knocked on after he charged it down didn't he? Not seen a replay so could be wrong.

Re: By no means a perfect performance, but what a game! : Sat Feb 09, 2013 11:07 am  

ninearches wrote:

Can anyone tell me why the charge down by Rhys Evans was given as a knock ,considering the rules have been changed. Was it because he didn't re gather the ball himself but it went to a supporting Wire player ?

He touched it forward a second time before it went to the other Wire player.

Re: By no means a perfect performance, but what a game! : Sat Feb 09, 2013 11:09 am  

ninearches wrote:

Can anyone tell me why the charge down by Rhys Evans was given as a knock ,considering the rules have been changed. Was it because he didn't re gather the ball himself but it went to a supporting Wire player ?

He initially charged it down but then the ball bounced back up and flicked him on the hand a second time. Unless the rule change you mention covers that then it was given for that.

Re: By no means a perfect performance, but what a game! : Sat Feb 09, 2013 11:16 am  

Chargedowns!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! stop doing them!!!!!! Let's make the almost guaranteed turn over of possession a 50-50 lottery.

Re: By no means a perfect performance, but what a game! : Sat Feb 09, 2013 11:45 am  

Right ,so that's what happened, I only saw the incident at the match & as i haven't got sky sports i couldn't watch it again. Thanks.

Re: By no means a perfect performance, but what a game! : Sat Feb 09, 2013 12:35 pm  

ninearches wrote:

Right ,so that's what happened, I only saw the incident at the match & as i haven't got sky sports i couldn't watch it again. Thanks.

Very highly debatable that it hit his hand. Then again numerous knock-ons given when the players hand hadn't touched the ball last night.

Personally I think there are vast improvements to come from our team and we managed a draw without much possession, field position or adequate set completion.

Re: By no means a perfect performance, but what a game! : Sat Feb 09, 2013 12:39 pm  

Great for an early season game, I think Wigan are set up well for the future with their talented crop of youngsters. They won't win a trophy with matty smith at halfback though.

Also, why do people think we're so good at shutting down Sam Tomkins? Totally anonymous again last night.