Was a good run out for the players in tricky conditions against a capable championship side, was impressed with Doncaster, wouldn't be shocked to see them in the play offs come the end of the season.
As for Hull, there was some good signs and some lingering concerns. Morgan Smith was an unexpected stand out for me, thought he made a really good first account for himself. Pele's game time was also good to see, he certainly looks like he could start rather then coming off the bench, both would be good options to have. A bit rusty in attack at times, however in the first friendly it is to be expected. However when things stuck/click it was pretty entertaining stuff.
The one negative that I cant help but have concerns over was discipline. It really has been our Achilles Heel now for some time and even against championship opposition it killed us in parts. I'm hoping that a run out with the new rules in play gives the players a greater feel of how much tolerance they now have.
I’m not sure yesterday gave me too much clarity on how we’ll line up against Wigan (& then rovers). I reckon for next game, he’ll cut the squad down but still play 20 players (21 if tag plays). I’m guessing something like that:
1. Walker 2. McIntosh 3. Carlos 4. Sutcliffe 5. Tindall 6. Brown 7. Hoy 8. Ese’ese 9. Houghton 10. Ashworth 11. Okunbor 12. Sao 13. Fash 14. Smith 15. Pele 16. Brown 17. Scott 18. Cator 19. Balmforth 20. Staveley 21. Tag
We’re still definitely prop & second row short imo
Hullrealist wrote:I’m not sure yesterday gave me too much clarity on how we’ll line up against Wigan (& then rovers). I reckon for next game, he’ll cut the squad down but still play 20 players (21 if tag plays). I’m guessing something like that:
1. Walker 2. McIntosh 3. Carlos 4. Sutcliffe 5. Tindall 6. Brown 7. Hoy 8. Ese’ese 9. Houghton 10. Ashworth 11. Okunbor 12. Sao 13. Fash 14. Smith 15. Pele 16. Brown 17. Scott 18. Cator 19. Balmforth 20. Staveley 21. Tag
We’re still definitely prop & second row short imo
I think we are okay for props, Sao is really a middle, Ashworth, Brown, Ese, Pele and even Fash when needed , but yes for me the back row is the obvious weakness. A really good running threat like Willie Manu, oh those were the days.
GrahamBray wrote:I think we are okay for props, Sao is really a middle, Ashworth, Brown, Ese, Pele and even Fash when needed , but yes for me the back row is the obvious weakness. A really good running threat like Willie Manu, oh those were the days.
I’m happy with those options if they’re playing at prop but sadly Sao is playing back Row and fash 13.
Gardner appears to be next in line and sadly I don’t think he would be a stand out player in the championship. Smith obviously not confident in Diakate.
I like the look of staveley but smith doesn’t seem sure yet and severs looks like a classy back rower with good footwork, just needs a few more KG’s behind him
Hullrealist wrote:I’m not sure yesterday gave me too much clarity on how we’ll line up against Wigan (& then rovers). I reckon for next game, he’ll cut the squad down but still play 20 players (21 if tag plays). I’m guessing something like that:
1. Walker 2. McIntosh 3. Carlos 4. Sutcliffe 5. Tindall 6. Brown 7. Hoy 8. Ese’ese 9. Houghton 10. Ashworth 11. Okunbor 12. Sao 13. Fash 14. Smith 15. Pele 16. Brown 17. Scott 18. Cator 19. Balmforth 20. Staveley 21. Tag
We’re still definitely prop & second row short imo
If Sao plays front row then i think we are ok but the second row is frighteningly weak. what bothers me is it looks like we will still have Cator,Fash and Lane in the first 17
bonaire wrote:If Sao plays front row then i think we are ok but the second row is frighteningly weak. what bothers me is it looks like we will still have Cator,Fash and Lane in the first 17
Can see Cator and Fash getting in the 17 but not lane. With a big pack think we need players like Fash and Cator around the 17. Grafters who will do all the dirty work
once a black and white always a black and white COYH
Fash in the 17 is perfectly fine with me now that we've added some much needed size. He's been having to play like a battering ram the last couple of years despite not having the physique for it. The newer boys can take this role over and Fash will, as he always has, be a workhorse through the middle. Pele likely won't take a carry every set, but you can guarantee Fash will put his hand up to take it in. While Pele and Herman will likely be looking to make yards after contact or slip an offload out, we need Fash to be looking to get to the floor quick and look for a quick play the ball which we can play off the back off. I can see him starting to really improve on his ball handling aswell now and start throwing out passes more. He'll keep us solid defensively in the middle aswell. Every team needs a workhorse middle and Fash will do that job well for us in my opinion.
Joined: Jan 30 2004 Posts: 8165 Location: Never never land away with the fairies
hull2524 wrote:
bonaire wrote:If Sao plays front row then i think we are ok but the second row is frighteningly weak. what bothers me is it looks like we will still have Cator,Fash and Lane in the first 17
Can see Cator and Fash getting in the 17 but not lane. With a big pack think we need players like Fash and Cator around the 17. Grafters who will do all the dirty work
I do share a little of the concerns of Bonaire and would hope we don’t see all 3 of Fash, Cator & Lane in the 17. Of the 3 I can only see Fash and likely Cator being regulars in the 17 with a fully fit squad. Guess a lot will depend on where Fash is used. I’d hope we see Balmforth or Smith on the bench at least to spell Houghton so for Cator and Lane to get in they’d have to be on top form. Hopefully Severs & Staveley will be given a genuine opportunity to stake a claim in the SR. Think Scott could well force his way into the 17 too.
Do think we look very weak in the SR especially if Ashworth is in the front row with Sao, Ese Ese & Pele. Though if Brown can step up with an increased size in the pack and Ashworth & Okunbor in the SR then it’ll leave only one of Fash or Cator at 13.
Be interesting to see how it plays out as the season goes along.
I really enjoy long walks especially when they are taken by people I don't like!
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