Sat quiet after the Hudds and Leeds game, read alot of the posts on here and alot of common sense has been spoken. To me we have a number of problems but no quick fix to resolve any of them. It's obvious Hodgson doesn't trust certain players so is persevering with players out of form hoping they play their way into it.
What is obvious is without Connor, creativity is missing he is the missing link in attack. Take him or Reynolds out it falls flat.
We must be the slowest team in super league we have absolutely no pace across the team, except a few.
The hooking department is stuck in the early 2000's, the hooking roles changed, we haven't evolved, the speed around the ruck from Leeming/Dywer showed a huge defiency in our team.
Houghton a 20 minute backup hooker nothing more Johnstone isn't trusted. New hooker needed, short term fix is Shaul or Wynne.
Bowden, what's happened? Looks disinterested has he been told to find another club? Brown has to play why doesn't Hodgson trust him? New prop needed, hopefully the rumours are true.
Fonua needs to be moved on, plays with too much ego, 3 brainfarts against Leeds all fuelled by bravado hunts the Hollywood highlight reel at the expense of his coach's instructions, huge waste of cap and no pace.
Drop Faraimo for Vulikajapani, the lad was our best player in his last two games, scored 3 tries, then dropped for a guy who's leaving, nobody's mentioned Faraimo break where he had swift and Carlos either side, guaranteed try he bombed due to his selfishness, his heads in Cass I'm afraid.
The attack was clunky I thought we were terrible in getting players set for the attack, no runners near the line like myler and Newman.
Think Hodgson needs to be brave now and realise some players arnt being professional and have the wrong attitudes, and play the likes of Vulikajapani, Brown instead.
Big squad transition needed but then how much are Brett's hands tied regarding finances, we really need to offload some over paid earners and find some shrewd signings.
I'd be trying to move Bowden, Fonua, Mau, Johnstone, Matongo on and using the quota spots/wages to upgrade hooker/prop and second row.
Obviously not as easy as that though.
On the plus side Connor, Taylor, Shaul (hooker), Savelio will make a big difference shortly.
What about Wynne and Reynolds, are they both in the clear?
Is there a Disciplinary Hearing before the Saints game, or are they having a Super Sitting on Tuesday and banning all our team for the Warrington match?
Sat quiet after the Hudds and Leeds game, read alot of the posts on here and alot of common sense has been spoken. To me we have a number of problems but no quick fix to resolve any of them. It's obvious Hodgson doesn't trust certain players so is persevering with players out of form hoping they play their way into it.
What is obvious is without Connor, creativity is missing he is the missing link in attack. Take him or Reynolds out it falls flat.
We must be the slowest team in super league we have absolutely no pace across the team, except a few.
The hooking department is stuck in the early 2000's, the hooking roles changed, we haven't evolved, the speed around the ruck from Leeming/Dywer showed a huge defiency in our team.
Houghton a 20 minute backup hooker nothing more Johnstone isn't trusted. New hooker needed, short term fix is Shaul or Wynne.
Bowden, what's happened? Looks disinterested has he been told to find another club? Brown has to play why doesn't Hodgson trust him? New prop needed, hopefully the rumours are true.
Fonua needs to be moved on, plays with too much ego, 3 brainfarts against Leeds all fuelled by bravado hunts the Hollywood highlight reel at the expense of his coach's instructions, huge waste of cap and no pace.
Drop Faraimo for Vulikajapani, the lad was our best player in his last two games, scored 3 tries, then dropped for a guy who's leaving, nobody's mentioned Faraimo break where he had swift and Carlos either side, guaranteed try he bombed due to his selfishness, his heads in Cass I'm afraid.
The attack was clunky I thought we were terrible in getting players set for the attack, no runners near the line like myler and Newman.
Think Hodgson needs to be brave now and realise some players arnt being professional and have the wrong attitudes, and play the likes of Vulikajapani, Brown instead.
Big squad transition needed but then how much are Brett's hands tied regarding finances, we really need to offload some over paid earners and find some shrewd signings.
I'd be trying to move Bowden, Fonua, Mau, Johnstone, Matongo on and using the quota spots/wages to upgrade hooker/prop and second row.
Obviously not as easy as that though.
On the plus side Connor, Taylor, Shaul (hooker), Savelio will make a big difference shortly.
I think your a little harsh on Bureta, he did mess up, but he was a constant threat with the ball, one of our better players, good post though and I agree with a lot of it.
I think your a little harsh on Bureta, he did mess up, but he was a constant threat with the ball, one of our better players, good post though and I agree with a lot of it.
I felt quite harsh as he carried the ball well, just a pivotal moment in the fans that really annoyed me no excuses not passing, Carlos had abit of a pop at him. Frustration on my part, but he's leaving so I think it's make sense playing the inform Vulikajapani who's staying with us
Did not think faraimo was bad on Thursday. Would play Johnstone on Monday with Houghton on bench (Its worked well in past) but I dont think there are many options to change squad. Is logan still with us? If he is I would bring him in for Mahe and put him on bench instead of Scott. He can then cover for 2nd row as well. Also think Mcnamara could cover short term as hooker (very good tackler and passer also quicker than existing hookers. Brown should definateley come in for Bowden who is terrible (think he must have been told hes not required next year). If not its a funny way to play for a new contract. Feel sorry for Hodgson as he has so few options even with players doing badly. Think we should start with Fash and keep Soa or Satae on bench. We can expect many changes next year I hope!!!!
Brown should definateley come in for Bowden who is terrible (think he must have been told hes not required next year). If not its a funny way to play for a new contract.
Unfortunately we don't have a lot of options to be able to make many changes to the side despite the poor effort on Thursday against Leeds but Brown in to the 17 should be one.
However for me as we had very little from Houghton in that game I'd either start with Johnstone or actually try Ben McNamara at 9 just to try and shake things up a little. To be quite honest between Houghton & Johnstone the way they're playing at the minute I don't think we have anything to lose. It may be harsh on Johnstone as he's hardly had a run in the side so far and how he can get any form from what is pretty much a cameo role so far. Houghton started the season ok but the decision by BH to flog him for 80 mins means he is now totally ineffective in games.
Continuing to play Houghton and leaving Johnstone on the bench waiting or hoping for something to change is crazy as there's not even the slightest sign of improvement.
I'd also be tempted to drop Fonua after his costly performance in terms of utterly dumb penalties for clear and obvious strips.