Joined: Mar 04 2005 Posts: 5880 Location: Bradford
Probably the worst thing that could have happened for us tbh. Not that I expected us to win anyway, but a sacking of a coach usually leads to an upturn in player performances - if only for the short term.
But we still go into the tie with nothing to lose and anything can happen on the day, so let's see.
Joined: Dec 22 2001 Posts: 32125 Location: The Corridor of Uncertainty
I still think Leeds will win by 30. The sacking of Furner might focus a few minds and make some players perform better. Some will have been on the fringes and want to take the opportunity to get back in the side.
From the little I've seen of Leeds they can certainly attack. I expect Dwyer to be a big threat around the ruck. If Hurrell plays I only hope we put Webster up against him.
"If you start listening to the fans it won't be long before you're sitting with them," - Wayne Bennett.
Richard Agar though? Kear will have a tactics set out of how to win this game. I can't see Agar doing the same.
Having said that Leeds have some quality players and I expect the likes Dwyer and Hurrell to hurt us. Think we'll compete for an hour before Leeds run out comfortable winners.
Joined: Feb 17 2002 Posts: 28357 Location: MACS0647-JD
I almost said I don't care about this game, and I try not to, as we don't need any more injuries, and we ain't gonna win the Cup, but ... it's Leeds
I can't see Kear busting a gut to try to win it but then again the best way to get injured is to play half pace.
Also you'd have to say that if we don't need the distraction of a Cup game, the same can be said for Leeds, given where they are in the table!
I agree we can expect dead cat/coach bounce from them but overall I just think they are waaaaay too strong in the backs for us, and I expect to see us outscored on the flanks. Konrad Hurrell, in particular, reminds me a lot of Big Les when he first started with us, he's a beast.
Last edited by Ferocious Aardvark on stardate Jun 26, 3013 11:27 am, edited 48,562,867,458,300,023 times in total
Joined: Dec 31 2005 Posts: 4571 Location: Bradford
The Rhinos fans I know tell me that their problem this season is that their pack is getting dominated most weeks. They've got the backs that can win them games, but they are playing behind a beaten pack.
So, if we are at all serious about trying to win this game - and it being Leeds I'm assuming we are - then we need to go big and hard in the forwards. For a start we need Minchella back in the pack. We need at least four props in the 17, plus Wood at loose forward. And we need a fast start with Crossley and Kirk giving it everything from the first whistle before giving way to Peltier and Green.
If we make our usual slow start in the hope of catching up later, then it will be Leeds by 30+, I suspect
Joined: Jan 09 2011 Posts: 4337 Location: Shipley, Bradford
I’d go with:
Ryan Foggin-Johnston Webster Oakes/Gibson Grant Lilley Milnes Kirk Wildie Crossley Storton Farrell Minchella
Doyle Peltier Green Bustin
Well I would have done but probably going to swap Bustin out for Wood or Roche as he played for the reserves. But need to go big on the bench. Leeds pack have been battered all season so need to keep that going. But their outside backs are dangerous. So let’s not give them a platform to work off.
BULLSBOY2011: 'Pain is temporary, Pride is forever!'
Joined: Dec 22 2001 Posts: 32125 Location: The Corridor of Uncertainty
Wood has been great for us so far this season so I'd be reluctant to leave him out. Also Hallas had a good game last week and is desperate to play in this game.
Some headaches for Kear. Just wish we had Evans and Hitchcox available.
"If you start listening to the fans it won't be long before you're sitting with them," - Wayne Bennett.
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To have a wander down there!
