bewareshadows wrote:
Fears allayed?
Not at all. I thought tonight's outcome was great. We got a win against Huddersfield which isn't easy. The only real negative is a potentially serious injury to Roby. Does anyone know how he is?
I think we were helped greatly by the weather tonight. It was so wet for the first half an hour that it wasn't really a game where the strengths of each side could be tested. It was a case of respecting the ball, playing it incredibly simply and doing the basics. We scored three tries from kicks tonight which whilst well executed can sometimes gloss over a side's lack of intent in an attacking sense. I'm not saying that's the case, just that given the weather it's impossible to say.
We just had the heavier players and put the points on the board through and when it stopped raining finally Huddersfield really had to chase the game. Given the energy sapping slog they'd had it was an impossible ask of them.
In terms of players, Owens did a solid job. He's a limited player, but fine as cover. I thought both wingers had shockers and neither looked in good shape, perhaps understandable. Percival played really well and Peyroux was solid and improved after costing us a try. He's got to concentrate on not shooting out of the line so much, he really can't contain himself at the moment. Doesn't look like he'll offer anything with the ball though, his signing as a centre remains a mystery.
Luke Walsh had a really good game I thought, coming up with several small but crucial moments that really helped us. In the pack I thought Thompson and Savelio were the picks, but LMS should get Man of the Match for his ridiculous enthusiasm levels and that barnstorming run. Was LMS's run the only clean break we made in the game? It certainly seemed like the only moment we threatened to run clear of the Huddersfield line. But I've got to give credit to KC. Whether he knew it would be wet and planned accordingly or whether that was plan A and only plan A exists is something we cannot judge, so for know he has to get the benefit of the doubt.
The game was a world away from Thursday's game in intensity and quality. It felt like a friendly tonight at times and there was literally no atmosphere at all. The fans have got to improve, makes me sick when some of you rip into the players when as fans we're absolutely pathetic. Red Vee sent out a Tweet saying LP would be rocking and I had to laugh at that. Bar possibly a derby here and there the place is a soulless vacuum and I don't think it's the fault of the stadium design as much as the fans. Having the 'home' end behind the sticks was a tragic move however, should have been one side like at Leeds and Warrington. It just strikes me that the average age in the 'home' stand behind the sticks is too high. It's the people who went in the Popular Stand at KR, but they've grown up and become boring and don't sing or chant or get drunk enough to create a meaningful atmosphere. FFS sort it out. Saints could help, some better music pre game and during would help, as would some disco and fairy lights. It's almost like we need something to riot about to get the fans back into it. Hopefully a better attacking intent from the team and an acknowledgement of their lameness by the fans can help improve things.
