Re: Pre-season. : Sun Jan 14, 2024 6:15 pm  

A spirited effort from the young lads could have easily ended up being a trouncing however in the end was unlucky to not come away with at least a draw, with two kicks from the sidelines narrowly missed.

I thought Balmorth’s second stint was very impressive. There’s a lot of talent in that squad, Moy and Charles two who stood out however will need time to put size on.

Re: Pre-season. : Sun Jan 14, 2024 6:47 pm  

Great effort from the young lads, the future is definitely bright, Balmforth was outstanding in the second half. They'll learn so much more from that then hammering a league one side or from a reserves game.

Re: Pre-season. : Sun Jan 14, 2024 8:46 pm  

Thetalentboy wrote:

One way to learn and in a friendly makes sense

On the game great comeback hopefully a few gems will finally arrive through the ranks

I was only messing with you.

On a serious note I think playing against experienced semi professionals, who are still physically stronger and more developed is a great way to learn.
Instead of getting battered by full time professionals, who in turn would have battered the semi professionals, you say we should have played.
No learning, only demoralising and dangerous imo.
The lads showed great character today and would have benefitted from the increased intensity.

Re: Pre-season. : Sun Jan 14, 2024 11:24 pm  

Thetalentboy wrote:

One way to learn and in a friendly makes sense

On the game great comeback hopefully a few gems will finally arrive through the ranks

You went to the game and this is your insight. For someone with alot to say about everything, thought you would have said more about which players impressed etc.

Re: Pre-season. : Mon Jan 15, 2024 7:48 am  

For those that have stated Balmforth played better in his second stint.

What did he do better?

Did he run more? Look sharper?

Interested to know how he improved.

Re: Pre-season. : Mon Jan 15, 2024 8:00 am  

davey41 wrote:

For those that have stated Balmforth played better in his second stint.

What did he do better?

Did he run more? Look sharper?

Interested to know how he improved.

Nothing really, as he went off injured early and even in that time got an assist.

Saying that if he would hve stayed on, I think he would have been more effective in his 2nd spell, as the pack where on top, it was a more equal game, we couldn't cope with the size and experience of the likes of Flannagan, Appo, England and Smith.

Worth keeping an eye on one of their young forwards called Jamie Gill, looked massive.

Re: Pre-season. : Mon Jan 15, 2024 8:31 am  

If the very best of our 18-21 year olds couldn’t cope with Bulls average players in the 1st half then how can we use them against Saints Catalans etc ?

[Chris71]

Re: Pre-season. : Mon Jan 15, 2024 8:51 am  

It was always going to be more about the performance than the result to gauge in a game situation how they'd cope not just in skill/talent but both physically and mentally against a strong opponent.
I think it's shown that the investment in youth and the work done by Riding & Shenton and now Cummins in nurturing the talent is and has been worth it.
These players aren't going to be thrown in to SL level week in week out, but should the need arise due to possible injuries/suspensions then they'll be more prepared for it and it would hopefully only be one or two at a time.
We do need an much more competitive reserve league in the game though to help develop the talent and help bring the promising young players through from the youth to the senior game consistently and in bigger numbers.

Re: Pre-season. : Mon Jan 15, 2024 10:17 am  

Bombed Out wrote:

I was only messing with you.

On a serious note I think playing against experienced semi professionals, who are still physically stronger and more developed is a great way to learn.
Instead of getting battered by full time professionals, who in turn would have battered the semi professionals, you say we should have played.
No learning, only demoralising and dangerous imo.
The lads showed great character today and would have benefitted from the increased intensity.

I meant the likes of Balmforth, Staveley, Barron, Severs, Martin not the academy debuts

We have to see if they're ready and more experience against Super league opposition does that

None of them will probably play against wigan

Re: Pre-season. : Mon Jan 15, 2024 10:28 am  

Bombed Out wrote:

I was only messing with you.

On a serious note I think playing against experienced semi professionals, who are still physically stronger and more developed is a great way to learn.
Instead of getting battered by full time professionals, who in turn would have battered the semi professionals, you say we should have played.
No learning, only demoralising and dangerous imo.
The lads showed great character today and would have benefitted from the increased intensity.

"Also experienced semi pro"

Bradford only played 4 or 5 first teamers themselves