A tough game in tough conditions where we weren't at our best but many positives to take out of it. If that doesn't show the difference between this year and last, I don't know what does!
Positives:
Field's great tackle when Hudds broke through and were looking very dangerous. That's one more game nearer being able to rub FTVs nose in it
The fact that we were able to win a game with very little space and one not suited to our 'pace game'.
Ellis. Really starting to show the signs that he is the solid foundation to the pack that we've been crying out for. Not flashy, just quietly gets on with his business.
Singleton..don't know what his stats were but the improvement in him was marked. Ran with vigour and aggression coupled with his usual excellent defence. We even got a superb offload. I think it's catching!
Fantastic from the 2nd row again. Faz was....well, Faz! Nothing more needs to be said. Batty excellent. What a work rate and, at times, played like a 13 with some excellent link up play in the middle of the park. Much more the Batty we expected.
KPP. Turning out to be the find of the decade. Whoever spotted him needs a bonus in their paypacket! The offloads are the eye-catching part of his game but it's been his efforts in defence that have really caught my eye. That 'effort on effort' to snuff out a promising Huddersfield attack last night is becoming something of a trademark. Great to see.
Tommy rolling back the years! He's been excellent in all 3 games. As others have said, my MOM last night.
Negatives:
Seemed a bit sluggish compared to the first 2 games. Our line speed in particular seemed down. Whether that was as a result of repeatedly getting pinged for offside in the first 2 games or not, I'm not sure. Defence was still very mean though apart from their first try.
We expect free flowing, length of the field rugby now. We can't be grinding out wins like this!
Great team effort and good to see we have a 'plan B'. We won't win every game scoring 80 metre tries and games like this give a real confidence that we can find a way to win regardless of the type of game.