Re: Warrington (h) : Sat Jul 15, 2023 2:45 pm  

Not seen it back on TV yet but some initial thoughts from the game.

The bench was FAR more effective minus Singleton and Cust. Nothing against either player but you need your bench players to add something when they come on as demonstrated last night. Neither of those two do at the moment, although that's a bit unfair on Cust who is just not different enough rather than anything else. Bench hooker is just not the right role for him.

Mago was excellent again. Exactly as I said post Wakefield but this time he wasn't plowing a lone furrow as KPP brought plenty go forward from the bench as well. If he brought this week in, week out he would be probably be looking at a new contract.

Byrne. Where to start with Byrne? He is massively disappointing at times and not because I don't think he is good enough but for exactly the opposite reason! I get that he's relatively young for a prop but so are Havard and Hill. It seems to be between his ears that is lacking as he just runs so hot and cold...often within the same game! His early stint was awful. When he came back on at the end he ran with purpose and vigour and skittled players. I suppose it's a case of "will the real Liam Byrne please stand up!". He's in danger of being left behind. Someone also needs to get to grips with his running style. He's far too upright in contact which results in the ludicrous push backs like we saw last night. That said, Byrne/Ellis is not a good starting combination in my opinion. Simply not enough go forward. Havard is a big miss.

Bevan made incremental gains at 6 again but is clearly still not the finished article. Moving in the right direction though and seemed far more willing to test the defence with his jinking runs. I'm still of the opinion that we aren't seeing the best of him from there though and I would like to see us work on the switch post CCSF.

Faz was way off last night. Maybe it's time to start spelling him a bit?

Good performance in the 2nd half after a first where we were a bit lax in defence and never quite got going. Most of all a much needed win before all eyes turn to Sunday.

Re: Warrington (h) : Sat Jul 15, 2023 3:19 pm  

Singleton looks ready for the knackers yard and that was just from watching in the warm up. When they all do a sprint from our line, to half way, at the end of the warm up, he was dead last and by a big margin. He looked like he’d won a competition to join in with the warm up.

Byrne needs a rocket up his backside this season. He’s lucky that we’re so short in the position because there has been some weeks I’d have liked to see him lose his spot to wake him up a bit. I really like the lad but his form is well off his best.

Re: Warrington (h) : Sat Jul 15, 2023 3:26 pm  

apollosghost wrote:

Dodgy opening quarter with Clark running the show for Wire but unlike last week never looked in trouble once we got our noses in front, onto the semi we go

Wire put a tremendous amount of effort into the first 40 minutes. Their line speed was extremely effective however, when those old legs tired there was only one winner.

Re: Warrington (h) : Sat Jul 15, 2023 5:19 pm  

NickyKiss wrote:

Singleton looks ready for the knackers yard and that was just from watching in the warm up. When they all do a sprint from our line, to half way, at the end of the warm up, he was dead last and by a big margin. He looked like he’d won a competition to join in with the warm up.

Byrne needs a rocket up his backside this season. He’s lucky that we’re so short in the position because there has been some weeks I’d have liked to see him lose his spot to wake him up a bit. I really like the lad but his form is well off his best.

The last bit about Singleton had me laughing! I think his time here should be done barring an injury crisis.

Byrne is frustrating as hell. You can see that when his mind is in the right place he has something to offer but all too often he seems to be coasting. Not only in terms of any given match but with regards to improving as a player. Compare him to Havard and how he's becoming one of the best in the league.

I remember Wane saying he'd like to get his hands on him as there was room for big improvement there. Well, as far as I can see, there still is!

Re: Warrington (h) : Sat Jul 15, 2023 5:25 pm  

I think Byrne needs his place to be threatened. He’s not had it for a good while now.

Re: Warrington (h) : Sat Jul 15, 2023 5:34 pm  

I don't understand Byrne's running style at the best of times. Most of the time he seems to make contact with the upper body, his legs freeze and he collapses. Most other front rowers pump the legs after contact but for whatever reason he doesnt do it. His lack of intensity and tendency to coast has been going on for a while - take the lack of intent against Philbin in the buildup to the first try. No use of the body to impact the tackle, only a loose arm around the ball which Philbin shook off and then offloaded.

Re: Warrington (h) : Sat Jul 15, 2023 8:17 pm  

NickyKiss wrote:

I think there is value in having him as your last sub. He can cover O’Neill for 15-20 mins if needed, spell Smithies or one of the second rowers and cover injuries in the halves. I agree he shouldn’t be starting games though, not when we have everyone fit.

I really don't see this, why are we bending the team around for an average player? We've done it for Powell, now doing it for Miski (to an extennt), please not again.

Re: Warrington (h) : Sat Jul 15, 2023 8:31 pm  

Simba16 wrote:

I really don't see this, why are we bending the team around for an average player? We've done it for Powell, now doing it for Miski (to an extennt), please not again.

Not sure how it’s bending the team around by having a guy who can play 4 or 5 positions as your last sub, especially when recently the alternative has been to have Cust playing for 10 minutes and struggling defensively, while offering little in attack (something Shorrocks will not struggle with). I agree, he’s not amazing in any position but he gives the team security in case of injuries/disruption in a game.

That feels harsh on Miski as well. I’d say he’s performing well above average at the moment and is adding a lot to the team.

Re: Warrington (h) : Sat Jul 15, 2023 8:54 pm  

NickyKiss wrote:

Not sure how it’s bending the team around by having a guy who can play 4 or 5 positions as your last sub, especially when recently the alternative has been to have Cust playing for 10 minutes and struggling defensively, while offering little in attack (something Shorrocks will not struggle with). I agree, he’s not amazing in any position but he gives the team security in case of injuries/disruption in a game.

That feels harsh on Miski as well. I’d say he’s performing well above average at the moment and is adding a lot to the team.

Absolutely this. How anyone can be critical of Miski is beyond me. He's performed way above his pay grade and I'm not sure what more people could ask for. Absolutely invaluable bringing the ball out of our own half and an excellent try scoring rate not far off 1 a game!

Re: Warrington (h) : Sun Jul 16, 2023 10:02 am  

I’m worried KPP will get done for a hip drop.

Wouldn’t be surprised to see a 1 match ban.