Re: Catalans (h) : Fri May 03, 2024 12:33 am  

A big improvement from last week. When we are at our best we grind the opposition down in the first 40 and then unleash our backs in the second half. We didn’t get it right tonight but we are moving in the right direction. I know many complain about 5 drives and a kick but, in the big games, it has proved very effective. It gives our pivots far more room to operate in and consequently they look far slicker and more dangerous. I want to see Field and French running at a tired attack. Our link play, particularly when it involves Ellis, looks slow and that is something we need to resolve. Pluses for me tonight: Harvard’s match fitness, Leeming’s improved contribution, Faz’s return to form, our centres looking threatening, our forwards grinding it out, Field’s wonderful pass, Smith’s vision for his try, and our coaching team getting the substitutions right. I look forward to another good test next week.

Re: Catalans (h) : Fri May 03, 2024 12:57 am  

I thought we beat a poor Catalans side with a 50 percent performance. I genuinely feel like we haven't played well once this season with the ball.

The spine seem to be taking the brunt of the blame for that but the initial carries from Marshall and Miski seem much less effective this year than last and Toby King was superb at this Keighran less so.

The semi final will be a good indicator of where we are and at the moment I am probably the least confident I've ever been going into a big game.

Re: Catalans (h) : Fri May 03, 2024 5:01 am  

Cokey wrote:

Rubbish, you've been crap so far.

No darts for you to watch

Re: Catalans (h) : Fri May 03, 2024 6:33 am  

We've got so much scope to improve. We've played well once or twice this year (Penrith & Cas cup), but we have been in 2nd/3rd gear throughout.

The first half was a continuation of the season with silly errors and impatience. Once we cleaned that up, there was only one winner and made easy work of Catalans.

One big worry for me (as John alluded to), is Nsemba's defence. We are crying out for Walters to come into the side. Willie Peters will be kicking his lips at getting at Nsemba in Doncaster. I love the lad and it's scary to think what he could be in a year or two, but his lack of mobility in defence is a real worry currently.

Re: Catalans (h) : Fri May 03, 2024 8:00 am  

average 1st half but we got better as it went on. Introduction of the subs added some urgency and speed around the potb. Too many unforced handling errors as many have already alluded to.

2nd half far better with 4 really well worked tries for different reasons. Smith spotting the opportunity for the chip over (although i think Tommy is taking credit for it ), Miski off the back off Bevan taking quick tap and identifying space for Field to chase, Fields ball to Keighran was out of this world and finally the pass to Wardle and unselfishly back inside to Faz. 4 very different but top drawer tries

I think despite us being poor in the 1st half, our rotation means we can maintain the intensity, and with Havard now back, alongside Thompson we have 2 props who can play at a level for 60+ minutes. Its getting the rotation correct now with Cooper, Byrne, Dupree, Mago, Hill, Chan, Eseh etc

Re: Catalans (h) : Fri May 03, 2024 9:00 am  

LewCharnock wrote:

We've got so much scope to improve. We've played well once or twice this year (Penrith & Cas cup), but we have been in 2nd/3rd gear throughout.

The first half was a continuation of the season with silly errors and impatience. Once we cleaned that up, there was only one winner and made easy work of Catalans.

One big worry for me (as John alluded to), is Nsemba's defence. We are crying out for Walters to come into the side. Willie Peters will be kicking his lips at getting at Nsemba in Doncaster. I love the lad and it's scary to think what he could be in a year or two, but his lack of mobility in defence is a real worry currently.

If you are Peters you are telling Lewis to go at Nsemba with every opportunity he can.

His frame is a great asset however he has a fair bit to improve on (which he will given patience as he develops) in regards agility and lateral movement.

Re: Catalans (h) : Fri May 03, 2024 9:13 am  

Walters and Nsemba should share that role over the next few weeks for me. He does loads of eye catching stuff Nsemba and will be a cracking player but he is raw and his positioning in defence needs work. That's totally understandable and it will take time. He looks absolutely made for a bench spot at the minute, where you can bring him on and let him cause some chaos for 20/25 minutes. The only issue we have then I suppose is that we need to leave out another prop and it's already difficult to choose who is not playing. I hoped for more from Byrne last night tbh but I do think he's nailed in Peets team because of his defensive work.

Re: Catalans (h) : Fri May 03, 2024 11:59 am  

I’m surprised that no one has mentioned French’s defensive frailties, he was butchered at HKR and he is not helping Junior. I agree with Nicky, I think Byrne will make our 17.

Re: Catalans (h) : Fri May 03, 2024 12:23 pm  

I'd have to watch it back but I thought French was much improved in defence last night. He was getting stuck in to Sims most of the night, which takes a brave man. That whole right side is a work in progress though and it'll take time. I think we can see already what we lost with Isa out of the side and for all the people who've got stuck in to him over the years, their eyes must be open now regards to just how he can solidify that side and not just do his job but help those around him.

Re: Catalans (h) : Fri May 03, 2024 12:31 pm  

I’ve got one question. Where’s Mago’s contract extension?