Re: Challenge Cup Final 27th August vs Warrington Wolves : Sat Aug 06, 2016 2:11 pm  

C for Cuckoo wrote:

Thomson and Abdul have a lot to do to break into that team.

Both have played their ways out of the final team. Not in imo
Abdull got burned by dorn. Sandow would be all over him
Thompson between last week and this has lost the ball on play 2,in the opposition 20,3 times on basic carries

Re: Challenge Cup Final 27th August vs Warrington Wolves : Sat Aug 06, 2016 11:46 pm  

I probably could have worded that better. I was trying to say that although I think we can win it there's a very good team in front of us. I think a lot of us are hoping that this is our year considering how well we've been playing.

Re: Challenge Cup Final 27th August vs Warrington Wolves : Sun Aug 07, 2016 6:33 am  

Darkside Dave wrote:

I probably could have worded that better. I was trying to say that although I think we can win it there's a very good team in front of us. I think a lot of us are hoping that this is our year considering how well we've been playing.

The team have certainly massively outperformed every expectation. Personally I suspect we'll come up short in both competitions as the sustained success so far will catch up with us as we fight on 2 fronts. Wigan I think will win the LLS as they now have no distraction and Warrington have much richer Cup success experience in recent years under Smith than we obviously do. In a way our chance of silverware IMO has been compromised by consistency in both but one of my colleagues at work who was close to some of the Leeds back room staff said they knew it was all about peaking at in cycles and knowing it was impossible to be at the levels needed GF success all year so accepting lower levels of performance in recognition it would pay dividends in by crucial games. That built over time whereas our current approach seems to be throwing everything at everything for months - understandable to maintain momentum but just wonder whether this will be our undoing in the final analysis.

It's been an unbelievable season so far with some hugely memorable wins against top sides which we haven't seen in years and would be great for the players to get some reward for what they've delivered so far. Just suspect it'll be a bit beyond us.

Re: Challenge Cup Final 27th August vs Warrington Wolves : Sun Aug 07, 2016 7:46 am  

I've got to say that whilst the season will have been hugely successful regardless of whether or not there is any silverware at the end of it, I'm hoping to pick up the cup. If that means we are unable to maintain a grip on the top of the table then I can live with that. We're going to be in the mix on all fronts either way, which is a huge achievement for a club that has struggled to reach the hights it has aimed for in the last decade or so. As you say, in addition to good game management the club need to learn to manage performance levels throughout the season to cope with the peaks and troughs that will inevitably occur. Having the ability to shape performance curves is a massive advantage at the top level and will ultimately allow us to sustain and improve on the success we have already enjoyed this year.

Re: Challenge Cup Final 27th August vs Warrington Wolves : Sun Aug 07, 2016 8:14 am  

Darkside Dave wrote:

I've got to say that whilst the season will have been hugely successful regardless of whether or not there is any silverware at the end of it, I'm hoping to pick up the cup. If that means we are unable to maintain a grip on the top of the table then I can live with that. We're going to be in the mix on all fronts either way, which is a huge achievement for a club that has struggled to reach the hights it has aimed for in the last decade or so. As you say, in addition to good game management the club need to learn to manage performance levels throughout the season to cope with the peaks and troughs that will inevitably occur. Having the ability to shape performance curves is a massive advantage at the top level and will ultimately allow us to sustain and improve on the success we have already enjoyed this year.

Fully agree. If the aim is top 4 and the cup we should maybe throw all our efforts at Widnes and Wakey - hopefully that would be enough - and sack off the Catalans game. Not sure how many of these games we need to win to make top 4 but the 80 minutes from silverware route looks the better chance on paper right now.

Re: Challenge Cup Final 27th August vs Warrington Wolves : Sun Aug 07, 2016 12:53 pm  

Mrs Barista wrote:

It's been an unbelievable season so far with some hugely memorable wins against top sides which we haven't seen in years and would be great for the players to get some reward for what they've delivered so far. Just suspect it'll be a bit beyond us.

This has been the best year we've had in at least ten, but I agree we are now moving into uncharted territory for us. I can't get rid of a nagging doubt that come October we will have finished as runners-up three times!

However, my attitude may simply be a self-reflexive defence mechanism which has become a part of my DNA. This in turn is a result of the last THIRTY YEARS of watching the club. A thirty year period in which we have become used to seeing raised hopes dashed when it really matters.

I'm just trying to keep calm about the next nine weeks right now, and I'm trying not to get too carried away (either upwards or downwards). 2016 has been fantastic for us, but there will be mild disappointment (at the very least) if ultimately we have nothing to show for all the team's efforts this year.

Ah well, if we're up there or down among the cellar dwellers, life is never dull as a black & white. Fingers crossed for a happy ending to 2016.

Re: Challenge Cup Final 27th August vs Warrington Wolves : Sun Aug 07, 2016 4:50 pm  

I know we've exceeded many fans expectations already this season without touching any silverware , But to come this far in all 3 comps and come away with nothing would be disappointing . I think Mrs B is just messing around with her rugby gods !!!

Re: Challenge Cup Final 27th August vs Warrington Wolves : Sun Aug 07, 2016 5:41 pm  

B0NES wrote:

I know we've exceeded many fans expectations already this season without touching any silverware , But to come this far in all 3 comps and come away with nothing would be disappointing . I think Mrs B is just messing around with her rugby gods !!!

Wouldn't be disappointed in the slightest. 6th was the target for me pre season so to be where we are today is absolute dreamland. Been going way too long to expect anything in the way of trophies - 2 in 27 years for goodness sake - so from 8th last year to this is amazing. The reality is that we're underdogs with bookies for both competitions for a reason. Hoping like everyone else for an upset in our favour but realistic and proud of so many performances this year.

Re: Challenge Cup Final 27th August vs Warrington Wolves : Sun Aug 07, 2016 6:20 pm  

Think a few players need a rest before wembley for us to have a shot, is Leon injured? Would have expected him at 6 on Friday and can see him being more than useful at Wembley.

Re: Challenge Cup Final 27th August vs Warrington Wolves : Sun Aug 07, 2016 6:41 pm  

I'd heard that Pryce has had more knee problems, but was in contention for the cas game.