: Thu Aug 27, 2009 5:58 am  

BrisbaneRhino wrote:

Quite a serious question - not a troll this. Would people rather get into the 8 by the skin of your teeth for this season and then be satusfied with a win in the playoffs followed by exit (probably the most likely scenario although if you're in it you can win it), or, would it be better NOT to qualify and perhaps see a change on the coaching front?

As I say, not a troll, because had Leeds done a tad better under Darryl Powell (e.g. if we'd managed to win the CC against you lot), Tony Smith would never have been brought in etc etc. Which in retrospect would have been a disaster, because despite what some - very odd - Leeds fans say, there was never ever a real sense of becoming a truly good team under Powell.

I guess its just that finishing 8th should in reality be hugely disappointing for the Bulls shouldn't it? And from what I gather you've put in some dreadful displays at times.

Or doesn't it matter because McNamara will stay regardless?

I think that's about the size of it. But there is no doubt that not making the play offs will be a massive, MASSIVE FAILURE for the Bulls.It will be interesting what positive spin the club put on it, as they have already publicly stated that making the playoffs is a minimum expectation.

: Thu Aug 27, 2009 8:03 am  

BrisbaneRhino wrote:

Quite a serious question - not a troll this. Would people rather get into the 8 by the skin of your teeth for this season and then be satusfied with a win in the playoffs followed by exit (probably the most likely scenario although if you're in it you can win it), or, would it be better NOT to qualify and perhaps see a change on the coaching front?
...

I guess its just that finishing 8th should in reality be hugely disappointing for the Bulls shouldn't it? And from what I gather you've put in some dreadful displays at times.

Or doesn't it matter because McNamara will stay regardless?

If we finish either 8th or 9th the season to this point has been a massive underacheivement with some terrible decisions and play, mixed with a few good moments/games.

If we sneak into the playoffs then the mimimum requirement will have been met, and like you say, from that point, if you're in it you can win it, especially with some momemtum. And if we won the Grand Final or got close then I would be satisfied (understatement of the year that maybe?). But I suspect we wont get close (I still suspect we wont get in the playoffs, Im just hoping we take it to the last week so we dont have a dead game) But a good run during Aug/Sept cant hide the many many utterly unacceptable performances we suffered from Feb-Aug.

Your bottom line is the truth though, finish 8th or 9th McNamara is our coach for 2010 if people like it or not. The only coaching changes might be to the assistants. I've not once called for him to go, but I can understand why many did/do call for it.

For 2010 we just need to hope he improves some of his weaker areas, that his junior programme is the answer and continues to produce prospects like Whitehead and Donaldson, and that his recruitment this off season fixes some of gaps in our squad, we have seen the potential a few times this year, but it needs to be more consistant.

: Thu Aug 27, 2009 8:07 am  

Duckman wrote:

For 2010 we just need to hope he improves some of his weaker areas

We all hope that, yet we all know that Deacon will still be here, being picked regardless of form.

: Thu Aug 27, 2009 8:10 am  

Ewwenorfolk wrote:

We all hope that, yet we all know that Deacon will still be here, being picked regardless of form.

I meant in his coaching and tactics, but yes, the half backs are what I meant when I said the off season signings need to fill the gaps in our squad, I.E. we need a new half back, (I'd like 2 but thats not gonna happen)

: Wed Sep 02, 2009 3:10 pm  

I think looking at the teams around us in the leagues' form that we have a good chance of scraping it.

Come on you Bulls

: Wed Sep 02, 2009 3:11 pm  

Having worked out what I think the results will be, I can actually see us finishing right where we are now

: Wed Sep 02, 2009 3:14 pm  

DILLIGAF wrote:

Having worked out what I think the results will be, I can actually see us finishing right where we are now

Don't spoil it.


Most of the results needed wouldn't be shocks, but if they were to go the other way, that wouldn't be a shock either.

COME ON YOU BULLS

: Wed Sep 02, 2009 3:20 pm  

Next stage begins on Saturday with two crucial games. Wakefield & KR wins would be very very beneficial. In fact I'd say a Wakefield win was pretty much make or break, since if Catalans win that, it's pretty much over (only a Celtic win against Cas could save it).

: Wed Sep 02, 2009 4:07 pm  

John Kear knows the benefits of momentum into the playoffs, he won't accept a below par performance from Wakey in France (please!)

: Sat Sep 05, 2009 9:20 am  

Just looked at the accumulator odds on 365 for the results we need today and tomorrow.
Bulls win, Wakey win, Hull KR win, Cas win

(assuming cas are going to beat Celtic last game anyway we cant catch cas so them beating quins is far better)

Odds on these four results are 11.6/1, so about a 1 in 12 shot... not that long a shot really, the wakey result is the key one like others have said.

Come on!