At least it sounds like we are trying to prep properly for the game, going over the day before.

Should be better but I do wonder if less flights out of season were a factor. Hopefully this mini break helps with the team building!

Regarding the dilemma whether to play Houghton or drop him altogether. He was MOM and also included in the SL team of the week. I definitely would like to see him spelled but just don't think he is our main problem. 100 % it would benefit us having another hooker to come of the bench to spell him.

You seriously believe that
Its more cost cutting.Cant blame Pearson for that in the position we are in
Before Leeds started to use a chartered aircraft all the teams did this then most started to follow Leeds and use a chartered flight to fly back the same day
Two and a half hour flight is nothing.Lunch in Perpignan,afternoon rest,play the game and sleep on the flight back

You say that, but better service from acting half can make your halves look better as they have more time, and are not having to get the ball at knee height or head height

What are the flight details for this weekend?

You clearly saw more than me. Yes the odd one does but mostly he's on target.The halfs had plenty of time on the ball to do something but it was usually just a pass inside. I'm just saying someone who gets MOM and gets into the weekly SL team is perceived as someone who should get jettisoned. Again I will say he should not be playing 80 min. Yes we need Brown or Balmforth to free things up. But still think Houghton has a part to play

Booking a hotel for what 50 people including the backroom staff isnt cheap either though. But as said earlier time of year may be a factor on the flight booking/chartering, Humberside airport wont even be open after a certain time for example.

I would start with Houghton at 9, Sao at 13 with Brown on the bench, bringing him on at the 20-25 minute mark when the game intensity level drops as impact hooker (similar to the way rovers deploy Parcell). I would then spell Houghton and Sao at 13 through the remainder of the game.

I just think we will get the maximum effect from Brown in that scenario which, as a NZ international, we really should be exploiting to its fullest. Danny undoubtedly still has a significant role to play for us, his vast experience for one, but he needs to be used correctly and not be thrashed for 80 minutes every week, which we have done for the past ten years plus.

Behind that, I'd have Walker/Hoy/Smith at 1/6/7 and stick with them. There are no other obvious combinations at the moment (until Truman finally returns), we require stability in the middle and need to persevere with this to try to establish a working relationship. I don't know what went on with Hoy last weekend, but chopping and changing the halves every week will only exacerbate the problem.

Think they are flying to Carcassone on Friday back Sunday