Re: SL RD 7 | St Helens (H) : Thu Mar 31, 2022 9:39 am  

Trebor1 wrote:

Very sad how far from those times we find our selves now. Sport goes in cycles no doubt but we've had long enough 'transition'.. lets hope we get back on the horse shortly. Not only does the club need it to happen asap but so does the wider game, same for Warrington. Its about time both clubs were pushing Saints Wigan Catalan hard.

I do think we've been unlucky this season I think if we had have had Myler, Newman, Fusitua, Holroyd available we wouldn't be 1 from 6, neither would we if we didn't keep getting payers banned and sin binned. that is not an excuse though, we have a paper thin squad and lacking proper leadership, we should be able to cope with those injuries way way better.

Re: SL RD 7 | St Helens (H) : Thu Mar 31, 2022 10:52 am  

christopher wrote:

I watched 'as good as it get's' (the Rhinos doc not the film) last night again.

It's like a world away and in reality its only 7 years ago, but it is interesting as you can see that the ageing team in 2015 was absolutely shot by the end of the season, an incredible team of players that we were lucky to have watched but it should have been obvious that some succession planning was desperately needed especially as it was clear that Mcguire and Burrow weren't going to last too long either.

Im not angry, it's only sport and that's a wasted emotion, I am however really disappointed with how the club has handled the transition.

As enjoyable as that film is I've thought for a while that it was
symptomatic of the malaise that was slowly overtaking the club. When you start commissioning and premiering films that celebrate your own greatness you're mentally putting your feet up. Meanwhile Saints had their nose to the grindstone.

Re: SL RD 7 | St Helens (H) : Thu Mar 31, 2022 11:08 am  

christopher wrote:

I do think we've been unlucky this season I think if we had have had Myler, Newman, Fusitua, Holroyd available we wouldn't be 1 from 6, neither would we if we didn't keep getting payers banned and sin binned. that is not an excuse though, we have a paper thin squad and lacking proper leadership, we should be able to cope with those injuries way way better.

Yes good points Chris. I think there's been a fundamental lack of quality coaching at Leeds in recent years which has led to poor recruitment, poor discipline and poor standards throughout the squad. It's high time that ended....

Re: SL RD 7 | St Helens (H) : Thu Mar 31, 2022 11:46 am  

... But Agar did a good job overall and steadied the ship?

Re: SL RD 7 | St Helens (H) : Thu Mar 31, 2022 11:56 am  

The Golden Decade DVD is great. It did seem all a bit self-congratulatory, but peak "look at us, we're awesome" was the Kiwi match.

Agree about the squad. Its unbalanced - no depth in some positions, overloaded in others and really far too many ordinary players with few if any reserves demanding selection through performances.

I still think we've got a good enough squad to at least be mid table if everyone puts in, but the lack of individual quality and effort should not be forgotten when contracts are up. Somehow we've got a number of players who not only lack ability but have shown repeatedly over several seasons that they fold at the first sign of pressure without somebody on the field to hold their hands.

It all goes back to recruitment, coaching and junior development. Based on the last five years we've failed pretty much everywhere.

Re: SL RD 7 | St Helens (H) : Thu Mar 31, 2022 12:55 pm  

Seth wrote:

... But Agar did a good job overall and steadied the ship?

He did steady the ship but he should have been replaced this season at the very latest imo, it was always mooted he was going into another role. TBH we should have brought in a top coach at the end of the season after he'd led us to safety. We were complacent again. I've always said on here i had my doubts about Agar and sadly they've been proven true.

Re: SL RD 7 | St Helens (H) : Thu Mar 31, 2022 5:11 pm  

Seth wrote:

... But Agar did a good job overall and steadied the ship?

To be fair to Agar whatever your assessment of his success or lack of as a coach he was employed on a 6 month rolling contract which is hardly a ringing endorsement from the club. It sends out the message that there is no long term plan or that we are looking to do things with minimal cost. Either way it is mismanagement at the top!

Re: SL RD 7 | St Helens (H) : Thu Mar 31, 2022 6:58 pm  

JJB stating that Broadbent didnt play because he wanted Tindall to get the gametime...Similar to the reason Agar gave weeks ago, Absolute farce. Are any of our coaches actually aware Broadbents a centre? And a better one than the rubbish pair we keep selecting. He shouldnt be in a battle with Tindall for a wing spot, he should be starting Centre.

No wonder we're in the hole we're in when rubbish performance continuously goes unchecked.

Re: SL RD 7 | St Helens (H) : Thu Mar 31, 2022 7:00 pm  

Those who watch regular academy how far off is Simpson?

Re: SL RD 7 | St Helens (H) : Thu Mar 31, 2022 7:03 pm  

Seth wrote:

Those who watch regular academy how far off is Simpson?

He's an exciting talent with bags of potential, only 17 though, id say atleast 12/18 month away realistically.