Re: Hemel (A) : Sun May 27, 2018 4:04 pm  

Haven beat York, so its not all bad.

And scoring that many on a pitch that small while not conceding, isn't awful. You can only play what is in front of you, and we can but hope we up our game playing better teams.

Re: Hemel (A) : Sun May 27, 2018 4:21 pm  

Only saw the second half on TV so well done to those fans who went.
John Keys was constantly saying there is nobody leading the team when they needed it. This got me thinking about Lee Smith and what his role is. He is slow nowadays and surely he should be the one getting the players round and urging them on. If not, then how long is he on contract?
If we go up I just can't see why we would keep him and possibly Gibson. In fact, I would be looking at two new centres next year along with including Oaks in that statement if he is ready. Maybe we should be looking at giving Oaks a good number of games in the second half of this season to see if he is ready for next year.
If possible, we need to tie up the top spot early enough to give Kear the chance to get in early for new players for next year. It is a big if but someone has to finish top so why not do it a month early so the planning can start. It Toronto go up and maybe two come down there will be a few players that either Toronto release or the others release because they came down. I watched Toronto and thought if they release Sidlow to get in a bigger name he would be ideal for us next year along with a couple of others.

I am talking a lot of if's, but I bet Kear is also thinking ahead.

Re: Hemel (A) : Sun May 27, 2018 5:18 pm  

It’s nice to be moaning about quality of performance rather than off field stuff TBH. Agree about Smith. Not sure what he brings over Oakes who doesn’t seem to get a look in. Suspect he’s only getting picked because he’s captain and probably one of more expensive players. John Keyes, whilst making a fair point about lack of leaders on pitch, over egged it a bit and it came across a bit like his lad was only one capable of being organiser. We know Chisholm is more off the cuff and doesn’t organise but though Milnes has filled that role quite well last couple of weeks. Not sure why he wasn’t picked today unless we’re ttying to ease him in.

Re: Hemel (A) : Sun May 27, 2018 5:29 pm  

It looks to me like a team that needs freshening up. I know John Kear doesn't seem to like any kind of squad rotation, but we appear to have a few players who are kinda just coasting along, knowing they'll get picked, but not actually doing much.

And, at the same time, we are loaning our players to a team in a higher division. Weird I've just watched Reiss Butterworth score a very good try for Batley at the Summer Bash. Why is Hallas getting a game ahead of him?

I really do think we need to see a few of the under-performers given a bit of rest, and some of the young guns given a shot, certainly in games like today that - let's be honest - we are always going to win at a canter.

Re: Hemel (A) : Sun May 27, 2018 6:06 pm  

Until now we’ve been chasing points difference so going with strongest team on paper. Now York have dropped points we may see more of fringe players given a chance. Especially if Workington do us a favour next round.

Re: Hemel (A) : Sun May 27, 2018 6:46 pm  

paulwalker71 wrote:

It looks to me like a team that needs freshening up. I know John Kear doesn't seem to like any kind of squad rotation, but we appear to have a few players who are kinda just coasting along, knowing they'll get picked, but not actually doing much.

And, at the same time, we are loaning our players to a team in a higher division. Weird I've just watched Reiss Butterworth score a very good try for Batley at the Summer Bash. Why is Hallas getting a game ahead of him?

I really do think we need to see a few of the under-performers given a bit of rest, and some of the young guns given a shot, certainly in games like today that - let's be honest - we are always going to win at a canter.

Haven't watched the game, but from updates and comments and games i"ve seen last few weeks, seems like the above is bang on.

Don't get me wrong, i don't think we as a team or anyone individually is playing badly, but as you say we just need freshening up. Oakes should definitely be getting a run of games now IMO

Typical that we send Butterworth out on loan and then Flanagan has a suspected broken hand.

Re: Hemel (A) : Sun May 27, 2018 7:06 pm  

mat wrote:

It’s nice to be moaning about quality of performance rather than off field stuff TBH. Agree about Smith. Not sure what he brings over Oakes who doesn’t seem to get a look in. Suspect he’s only getting picked because he’s captain and probably one of more expensive players. John Keyes, whilst making a fair point about lack of leaders on pitch, over egged it a bit and it came across a bit like his lad was only one capable of being organiser. We know Chisholm is more off the cuff and doesn’t organise but though Milnes has filled that role quite well last couple of weeks. Not sure why he wasn’t picked today unless we’re ttying to ease him in.

I think John Keyes was bang on the money. We looked void of ideas and really needed someone to get a grip and tell them to up the effort. To be fair joe has been one of our players of the year for me he has marshalled this team brilliantly and his absence is noticeable. I agree with the other comments about smith/Gibson they offer us very little and really should be getting more from players that have played the level they have

Re: Hemel (A) : Mon May 28, 2018 2:42 am  

From what folk are saying reminds of the way Bulls used to play in their "Glory Days" slow start indifferent displays then come mid July what Nobby called the Business End of the Season all cylinders miraculously started firing. I just wonder if JK is going down that road?

Re: Hemel (A) : Mon May 28, 2018 7:29 am  

I have said this before about Gibson.. Smith also don't bring a lot.. Look at most of our wingers tries there off kicks.. not off good centre play .. also did the second half finish early it was showing over 2 mins left on the clock and mick and John reckoned there was about 5 mins left

Re: Hemel (A) : Mon May 28, 2018 7:42 am  

Whenever people talk about leadership I always think we need a young Jeff Grayshon. Unfortunately, there are very few of them about. A Jimmy Lowes out there would also do nicely but where are these types of player these days?