Once were Loiners wrote:Its all a bit meh at the moment. You can see why this year's squad really isn't good enough when you compare to Wigan and Sts in particular, and Wigan look set to be stronger next season. Our signings so far look unlikely to close the gap. Our depth looks like being better than it has for some time, but the first 17 just looks a fair way off, although we have at least 3 signings to come according to Smith. To really challenge I'd say all 3 need to be marked improvements, especially halfback.
For me we need to give our most senior specialist 9 a crack. We need to get that distribution better around the ruck to get the team organised and moving. The back line is looking decent (with a new senior centre) but we need to get it working.
Joined: May 28 2002 Posts: 7449 Location: Isca Dumnoniorum
Perhaps if the prop forwards provided a platform it would make it easier for the likes of O'Connor and Johnson. I guess it is a chicken and egg thing, but if Oledski and Holroyd played close to their potential the team moves forwards a lot better. Oledski hasn't been right since his injury (playing for England carrying a knock did him no favours), and Holroyd didn't re-capture the early season form that led to him getting England recognition.
This may be crazy, but I wonder when we lost Tetevano from the rotation, the pack never looked as dominant as it did in some of those early-mid season wins against the top teams (remember, we actually beat Saints, Wigan, and Catalans in 2023).
Exeter Rhino wrote:Perhaps if the prop forwards provided a platform it would make it easier for the likes of O'Connor and Johnson. I guess it is a chicken and egg thing, but if Oledski and Holroyd played close to their potential the team moves forwards a lot better. Oledski hasn't been right since his injury (playing for England carrying a knock did him no favours), and Holroyd didn't re-capture the early season form that led to him getting England recognition.
This may be crazy, but I wonder when we lost Tetevano from the rotation, the pack never looked as dominant as it did in some of those early-mid season wins against the top teams (remember, we actually beat Saints, Wigan, and Catalans in 2023).
Holroyd has been overworked in D IMO and then had too little left in attack. Maybe that will end up being his style but he used to have more punch at the line. Something to do with his conditioning maybe - he looked for second half of the year like he could do with a pre-season. He’s a big guy, for me I’d double down a bit and get some mass on him.
Hudson might get games too if he can get and stay fit. Had a very quick rise from obscurity.
batleyrhino wrote:Don’t worry, just trust Uncle Gary to get it right. Not with your recent record and lack of forward planning Gary, it’s a shambles.
Gary's most recent piece suggested the people within the club have some unique skills and contacts within the game to get the players we want. As has been said before he drew a line with that and if it doesn't come to fruition there really is no margin left for error.
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