: Sat Jul 05, 2008 12:11 pm  

I'd have said that a fully fit Kirke, Ablett and an available Scruton would have been in the 17.

: Sat Jul 05, 2008 12:14 pm  

Replacing Allan, Smith and ?

: Sat Jul 05, 2008 12:16 pm  

Maverick Rhino wrote:

Aladdin Sane puts a pretty strong case for it being by design?

If it was by design we'd have ''planned it'' earlier in the season.

: Sat Jul 05, 2008 12:17 pm  

Burgess or Bailey probably. The way that Scruton has played so far this year, I'm pretty sure that we'd have gone with him instead of Biffa, although I think Leuluai is in need of a rest.

: Sat Jul 05, 2008 12:19 pm  

Snake Eater wrote:

If it was by design we'd have ''planned it'' earlier in the season.

I disagree, if we were planning it we would be looking to hit our straps for the start of the playoffs not two months before.

: Sat Jul 05, 2008 12:20 pm  

I should have made the point clearer, before we disappear up a blind hypothetical alley.

With the exception of Toopi that was a strong enough side last night for injuries not to be an excuse.

: Sat Jul 05, 2008 12:23 pm  

I'm not making any excuses, we were beaten by the better team. Obviously both sides had injury issues to contend with, but Wigan fully deserved their victory.

It's noticeable that out situation with injuries this year has been more severe than in other recent seasons, and as a result we have been forced to play more juniors than before. This can only result in a stronger squad for next season with the experience that Allen, Jones-Bishop, Burgess and Watkins will have gained.

The current position might be a little wobbly, but the future is getting brighter by the day.

: Sat Jul 05, 2008 12:40 pm  

Maverick Rhino wrote:

A successful international coach, appointed to one of the biggest club jobs in the game is learning his trade? Has GH screwed up?



The multi talented, international laden Super League and World Champion squad doesn't suit the coach. Are you serious?

Yes - he wants to play with two nines - hence the signing of Buderus - do you think by choice he would have either Hall or Smith on the wing?



Yep.



Apart from Toopi, which of those would have played last night?

As I said the four who played in the GF winning side play that side and then let's see where we go.



That's all conjecture isn't it?

You note I'm not slating the coach at all. Do you think he's contributed to the mini slump in any way?

Aladdin Sane puts a pretty strong case for it being by design?

Isn't that these boards are all about? As for McClennan his mistakes for me are selection rather than game time errors. If he selects the right side the rest will look after itself.

Playing Ellis in the centre dosn't work - why not play JJB he is quicker and more dynamic also swop Donald to the other side that would even up the strengths. Finally play two nines - give Kaye an extended run and see what that brings.

: Sat Jul 05, 2008 1:33 pm  

batleyrhino wrote:

Burgess or Bailey probably. The way that Scruton has played so far this year, I'm pretty sure that we'd have gone with him instead of Biffa, although I think Leuluai is in need of a rest.

Biffa has been one of our most consistant all season IMO.

: Sat Jul 05, 2008 2:15 pm  

Oldham Rhino wrote:

I said that to SouthStander in the car on the way back last night.

And I hope he reminded you that 2005 was in fact considered a reasonable season , 2 cup finals , 1 of which we managed to throw away in ridiculous fashion . 2006 was a huge disappointment by comparison , on reflection I'd take the chance of two trophies everytime thanks very much.