Re: Boxing Day : Thu Dec 29, 2022 9:04 am  

vastman wrote:

vastman wrote:

Danny after he’s eaten all the pies perhaps.

I like Bowden but I think he’ll cop flack from those who don’t get the art of propping. He’s not flash. He’s methodical, just runs the ball in hard, quick PTB, back in the line.

You need players like him, grafters, who don’t make mistakes. Unsung for fans but a coaches dream. Good signing imho.

Totally agree had his injury problems in the past but if we can keep him fit he is a good solid prop

Re: Boxing Day : Thu Dec 29, 2022 9:48 am  

Thoroughly enjoyed the game, and for me it was good to see a reasonably well versed performance. Biggest take out for me is that Smith looked like he’d been playing 7 for us for 10 years. I turned to my brother and said a few times that Lino should be quite worried looking at that. Mason often looks like he is making it up as he goes along - Smith played the team game and his passing from hands was excellent but from 7 and from 9. Excited to see him play this year. I would not be disappointed at all to see Smith and Gaskell start the year.

Re: Boxing Day : Thu Dec 29, 2022 10:43 am  

BackSeatCoach wrote:

BackSeatCoach wrote:

Thoroughly enjoyed the game, and for me it was good to see a reasonably well versed performance. Biggest take out for me is that Smith looked like he’d been playing 7 for us for 10 years. I turned to my brother and said a few times that Lino should be quite worried looking at that. Mason often looks like he is making it up as he goes along - Smith played the team game and his passing from hands was excellent but from 7 and from 9. Excited to see him play this year. I would not be disappointed at all to see Smith and Gaskell start the year.

Sums it up with Smith though it is just one game.

Sometimes you can just tell when a player fits and on that showing he just does. More than anything else we need to be a team, we need to be greater than the sum of our parts. Smith actually looks like the on filed general we thought Lino would be.

Don’t get me wrong, on his day Lino is right up there, but for me the only time he’s really taken control was against the Wire last year.

Sometimes you just have to put emotions and position in the pecking order to one side and just go with what works.

We have two more friendlies to go and if Smith continues in the same vein then it will require some serious thought from Mash.

Re: Boxing Day : Thu Dec 29, 2022 12:26 pm  

vastman wrote:

vastman wrote:

Sums it up with Smith though it is just one game.

Sometimes you can just tell when a player fits and on that showing he just does. More than anything else we need to be a team, we need to be greater than the sum of our parts. Smith actually looks like the on filed general we thought Lino would be.

Don’t get me wrong, on his day Lino is right up there, but for me the only time he’s really taken control was against the Wire last year.

Sometimes you just have to put emotions and position in the pecking order to one side and just go with what works.

We have two more friendlies to go and if Smith continues in the same vein then it will require some serious thought from Mash.

Last time I saw as composed in a Wakey shirt was Finn. For me Smith looked the real deal. I know its only one game but he was really impressive. I thought Crowthers line speed was exceptional too, he looks fit as a butchers dog already

Re: Boxing Day : Thu Dec 29, 2022 12:34 pm  

vastman wrote:

vastman wrote:

Danny after he’s eaten all the pies perhaps.

I like Bowden but I think he’ll cop flack from those who don’t get the art of propping. He’s not flash. He’s methodical, just runs the ball in hard, quick PTB, back in the line.

You need players like him, grafters, who don’t make mistakes. Unsung for fans but a coaches dream. Good signing imho.

I agree. I think it's a blend of both to be honest

Re: Boxing Day : Fri Dec 30, 2022 11:38 am  

Pat Bateman wrote:

vastman wrote:

vastman wrote:

Sums it up with Smith though it is just one game.

Sometimes you can just tell when a player fits and on that showing he just does. More than anything else we need to be a team, we need to be greater than the sum of our parts. Smith actually looks like the on filed general we thought Lino would be.

Don’t get me wrong, on his day Lino is right up there, but for me the only time he’s really taken control was against the Wire last year.

Sometimes you just have to put emotions and position in the pecking order to one side and just go with what works.

We have two more friendlies to go and if Smith continues in the same vein then it will require some serious thought from Mash.

Last time I saw as composed in a Wakey shirt was Finn. For me Smith looked the real deal. I know its only one game but he was really impressive. I thought Crowthers line speed was exceptional too, he looks fit as a butchers dog already

I said the same at the game. Crowther looks in great shape and the most athletic I’ve seen him. That’s the sort of dedication that can pay dividends on the pitch. Efforts off the pitch can usually reward in performances.

Re: Boxing Day : Fri Dec 30, 2022 1:32 pm  

Some idiot behind me shouted you can’t tackle for toffee Crowther when Jordi missed the Leeds winger (Tindall I think it may have been). It wasn’t his best effort that’s agreed but it’s rare Crowther misses a tackle and his work rate is fantastic. Looks like he’s going to be playing as a link between backs and forwards now as well from what we saw Boxing Day so he’s going to have some really heavy involvements. He’s a player who has improved year on year and I’m expecting a really big season from him this year.

Re: Boxing Day : Fri Dec 30, 2022 1:44 pm  

Uptoncat wrote:

Uptoncat wrote:

Some idiot behind me shouted you can’t tackle for toffee Crowther when Jordi missed the Leeds winger (Tindall I think it may have been). It wasn’t his best effort that’s agreed but it’s rare Crowther misses a tackle and his work rate is fantastic. Looks like he’s going to be playing as a link between backs and forwards now as well from what we saw Boxing Day so he’s going to have some really heavy involvements. He’s a player who has improved year on year and I’m expecting a really big season from him this year.

Yes it was a poor effort and i bet when he sees the replay he wont be happy.
However ! At least he got accross to make the effort !
I also liked that little move in the first half where he put jowett through from under our posts. I think we may see a bit more of that one during the season.

Re: Boxing Day : Fri Dec 30, 2022 1:50 pm  

Prince Buster wrote:

Prince Buster wrote:

Yes it was a poor effort and i bet when he sees the replay he wont be happy.
However ! At least he got accross to make the effort !
I also liked that little move in the first half where he put jowett through from under our posts. I think we may see a bit more of that one during the season.

Yea I think we will. He’ll also keep teams on their toes as sometimes he’ll be doing the hard yards the other times he’ll be used as a link man. Can’t read too much in to Boxing Days game same as with most friendlies but you can see we’re going to be quite an improvement expansive side and there seemed to be a marked improvement in line speed which is something we’ve struggled with for years for some reason

Re: Boxing Day : Fri Dec 30, 2022 2:53 pm  

Albeit against a lesser opposition, I was impressed with quiet a few on boxing day but to call a few;

Ashurst doesn`t look to be slowing down at all, I was worried that age might be catching up with him at points last year but he looks as fit and as hungry as ever.

Atoni looked as strong as an ox and exactly what we need in the middle, to say he won`t yet be in the best condition having just arrived I thought he was a real handful.

Whitbread seemed to beat the first man every time he took the ball up, but I was particularly impressed with both Butler and Bowden who I thought looked strong in the carry and found quick PTBs.