Quote ="Pat Bateman"Just watched the game on Trinity tv. I thought our defence was outstanding for large parts. Crowthers inclusion within the side was visible straight away with his intensity and line speed, we have really missed that. I thought for large periods we were the better side and actually dominated especially in the forwards. All our forwards were outstanding apart from Atoni who I thought needed to be involved in the game more. He doesn’t look for work like the rest of our forwards and can be really passive. I genuinely would be happy for him to have a spell in the reserves as I don’t know whether this is a fitness or attitude issue. The high work rate of our forwards really make him stand out, and can go literally 2 sets without even making a drive which for a front rower is bizarre.
Our attack although disjointed still had positives. Our kicking game was remarkably better with Gaskell having the better kicking game of the 2 halves. We were very easily read on the over lap play with Gaskell getting caught time after time with their players jamming in early to great effect. We never looked like troubling their line, but actually when did we actually have a set on their line, our ball retention was really poor, so could never apply pressure.
Kershaw was excellent, his ball carry and defensive reads were really good. When ever they chipped behind, you knew they would be dealt with unlike in weeks gone by.
Kaye was good at FB. Our lack of attack was obviously down to Kaye being new to the role and FB is just as important as any position in the spine when attacking. We massively miss Max, as we unlocked Catalan at ease on their line, which is no coincidence. The more I watch Smith at hooker the more I think he really isn’t suited to it. For me he needs a run at 6. With him and Hood offering little go forwards from the 9 role, it just blunts our attacking threat, lumbering Lino and Gaskell to create everything, which will be heightened even more with losing Max.
All in all I thought we did well, some of the comments on here you’d think we were abysmal. Look at the teams we’ve plate already in Wigan and Catalan who both spanked Cas and Hull FC. I don’t think we’re in as bad a position as people are making out. Cut out the errors and be more composed'"
Pretty much how I saw the game. I don’t honestly think I’d change much at all for Leeds.
We do need a full back with experience like Golding or Shaul.
The only change I would make is putting Smith at 6 for Gaskell. I just don’t see Gaskell as a pivotal player though I’m happy for him to challenge for a centre spot.
Some fans are going way OTT. Yes the Wigan game wasn’t pretty but the other
2 we were in the contest almost to the end. This is against
3 of last years top 4.
The most important part is coming next when we face teams you’d consider around us. From now to round 9/10 we need to bag a few wins.
