The Reaper wrote:Walmsley and Paasi are contracted for next year so not much we can do there, as are Batchelor and Whitley but we definitely need a prop. A lot of the problem comes from the management of the pack more than it needing an overhaul I’d say. Sticking Matautia at centre when he’s not very good there but is great at 2nd row (and has even done well as a prop!), sticking with Batchelor and Whitley together despite neither playing particularly well. And the big one is continuing to start Lees and Delaney together despite both being fairly light and neither being a metre making kind of prop just has us starting on the back foot time and time again. That’s happened multiple times too so it’s just Wellens not learning his lesson

It’s hard to know how much of this is down to the players or whether it’s Wellens coaching them. Paasi and Batchelor are shadows of the players they were last year. Both have had big injury problems of course, so I guess we’ve got to hope they’ll come back better after a full pre season as neither really had one this year. Walmsley hasn’t been as good this year either, although he’s still shown plenty and had some really good games so I wouldn’t write him off yet.

Ultimately though I think the problem is Wellens. He seems incapable of changing a game plan mid-way through a game and his original gameplan never works against the big teams. if one or 2 players lose form then ok maybe it’s him, but the vast majority of our squad have gone backwards over the last 2 years and it’s not all down to age

NickyKiss wrote:What are Saints fans thinking with Delaney currently? He was lauded coming through but I always just thought he looked like Mark Edmondson had made a comeback. He is as game as they come but his running style lends itself to getting bashed about the place and that quickly takes its toll. On the other hand, Stephens is looking the real deal. He doesn't look much of an athlete but he is so awkward to tackle and is very very rarely getting dominated.

The Reaper wrote:He’s struggled a bit this year albeit I think he’s improved over the last few weeks. Apparently he’s been playing on with a knee problem for a lot of the year so could explain his downturn somewhat. Doing better in contact now he’s stopped turning his back going into contact. Unless he adds some weight, he’s more than likely going to be another Matty Lees rather than a big metre eating prop. I think he’s going to be a good player but probably not the level of which his early reputation suggested. Still only 20 though I believe so plenty of time on his side.

I agree about Stephens, he’s a very exciting prospect. Not sure if his fitness is way under par or what but Wellens seems reluctant to play him for more than 15 minutes a game

The Reaper wrote:The optimism I’d held for a grand total of one week is officially dead! Season is over next week. We’re just not good enough at the moment and our coach has no good ideas. After half time we were 12-0 down and needed to give it a real go and he played a conservative grind that slowly gained us some territory until we threw it all away after 10 mins with an error and a penalty. Stephens was great in his cameo, but will likely be dropped next week when Walmsley is back, instead of Paasi who should actually be dropped.

I’m one of those hopelessly optimistic fans for the most part and even when we were at our worst I never gave up complete hope because this team had earned a lot of faith with me. But I’ve officially given it all up now, our race is run.

Just hope the semis and final are good, close games. Still can’t see past you v HKR for the final, although it has to be said that KR are starting to look a bit shaky, might be the pressure getting to them so wouldn’t be entirely surprised if Warrington sneak in there instead

Can’t really see past you lot winning it, unfortunately

NickyKiss wrote:What are Saints fans thinking with Delaney currently? He was lauded coming through but I always just thought he looked like Mark Edmondson had made a comeback. He is as game as they come but his running style lends itself to getting bashed about the place and that quickly takes its toll. On the other hand, Stephens is looking the real deal. He doesn't look much of an athlete but he is so awkward to tackle and is very very rarely getting dominated.

NickyKiss wrote:Matty Lees in the dream team.

I'm off to check my calendar.

NickyKiss wrote:Matty Lees in the dream team.

I'm off to check my calendar.