I know everyone is disappointed how it has gone so far but realistically we were never going to be up to the standard of the bottom of SL over a series of games. To compete against Widnes, Hull Kr and now Salford for long periods of the games is an achievement in itself and with a few better decisions and maybe a bit of luck we could have won maybe every one of those games, but that is what that extra money buys you.
We are bound to lack pace out wide with no first choice wingers playing and I think Heaton can be excused for getting caught out because he is never a winger but was making one in for the team. Personally I do not think we were lacking anything in terms of fitness and when we got back within 6 in the 2nd half we looked to be on top but then a missed tackle from a lad who hasnt played all year cost us badly. Again that can be excused as to play your first game back from injury against a SL team is going to be tough.
For me, that's been the problem for you, Bradford, Sheffield and Leigh, GFB. We've all been playing to a high level in the Championship, but it's been one heck of a step up to meet four reasonable SL teams. We have only been able to play 'what's in front of us' week in, week out, in the Championship. Our players are, in the main, Championship standard players, albeit mostly the best at that level. I'm sure if any of us made it to SL - a huge ask, but not completely impossible, in this format - we would have to see an influx of new, SL-standard players, to be able to compete.
I think all four of us can hold our heads up high, at how we have performed so far - and celebrate Bradford's achievement in turning over Salford.
For me, that's been the problem for you, Bradford, Sheffield and Leigh, GFB. We've all been playing to a high level in the Championship, but it's been one heck of a step up to meet four reasonable SL teams. We have only been able to play 'what's in front of us' week in, week out, in the Championship. Our players are, in the main, Championship standard players, albeit mostly the best at that level. I'm sure if any of us made it to SL - a huge ask, but not completely impossible, in this format - we would have to see an influx of new, SL-standard players, to be able to compete.
I think all four of us can hold our heads up high, at how we have performed so far - and celebrate Bradford's achievement in turning over Salford.
The more teams that go full time in this league will improve the league and narrow the gap between us and SL. If we have more full time teams the weekly competition becomes hard and more intense which is what we need when we are playing SL teams. Although Bradford and Leigh are full time the rest of our comp isn't so although they are good the don't get to play at the intensity of SL full timers. Sheffield go FT next season and us in 2017 (Hopefully). This will improve the Championship comp. I know its about money but if we could get around 8 to 10 teams playing FT in this comp we will then be able to give SL a run for their money.
[quote="Alan"]For me, that's been the problem for you, Bradford, Sheffield and Leigh, GFB. We've all been playing to a high level in the Championship, but it's been one heck of a step up to meet four reasonable SL teams. We have only been able to play 'what's in front of us' week in, week out, in the Championship. Our players are, in the main, Championship standard players, albeit mostly the best at that level. I'm sure if any of us made it to SL - a huge ask, but not completely impossible, in this format - we would have to see an influx of new, SL-standard players, to be able to compete.
I think all four of us can hold our heads up high, at how we have performed so far - and celebrate Bradford's achievement in turning over Salford.[/quote Excellent post...........barring the last bit!
Sorry about the praise for B******d, Hudd-Shay. Very insensitive of me on this Board, and tantamount to 'Fax fans calling us a small town in W***n, I suppose!