Very disappointing result and performance. On the plus side young Lawford is a decent prospect (think he made more yards than anyone else and could've had two breakaway tries) Murphy gave his all and for the most part there was plenty of effort (with some exceptions from the usual suspects).
The most disappointing factor was the lack of any creativity in attack. I know we're without our halfbacks and one of our regular dummy halves but it was clear within the first few minutes that we hadn't got any idea how to break down their defence. We had plenty of possession on their line but the only tactic was to barge over which didn't work. Surely we could've come up with some smarter plays around dummy half? Dunning must have known our limitations in attack yet there were no run-arounds or switch plays near the ruck area at all. It was utterly predictable.
Whitehaven grew in confidence as the game went on when it was clear we were easy to defend against. Their first try came as a result of our tiredness in the middle of the field (inexcusable given how much possession we'd had up to that point). Fitness is still an issue for some of our middle forwards.
Whitehaven also managed to force more repeat sets due to their more intelligent play on the last tackle. This was in contrast to our options of handing it over on the 6th or kicking dead or conceding a tap 20. It was v disappointing as they were a very limited team and lost their pack leader to injury. That lad from PNG was immense for them - can we sign him please? He was head and shoulders above any of our forwards.
Not sure where we go from here. Watching the likes of Crossley and Walker rolling around is utterly depressing. Can't see any reason to go back in a hurry and Fax will murder us next week. Bring on the end of the season.
