Re: Salford (a) x2 : Sun May 26, 2024 9:06 pm  

Wigan got the job done but the main thing I took out of that game (and the weekend's fixtures) is the dreadful state the competition is in.

Half the teams in the competition are awful. Such a lack of intensity, pace, innovation and atmosphere in almost all of the games played. It really felt like a pre season game today and even the Saints v Leeds game felt so flat.

I really fear for the longer term viability of rugby league as a full time sport. Part of me thinks that televising all of the games is actually exposing the sport for what it is. The shocking decline of Hull, the Yorkshire clubs (even going back to Bradford) and the farcical situation with London has led to so many lopsided fixtures, a lack of excitement and a real low point for the sport. The rise of the NRL and the lack of any real innovations to shift RL's standing in the sporting landscape over here doesn't inspire confidence either.

Hope it can be turned round in time but we've got a long way to travel to get to where we need to be.

Re: Salford (a) x2 : Sun May 26, 2024 9:42 pm  

Hard to disagree, as I just watched the Warriors' heroic efforts against the Dolphins, and the mega tussle between the Broncs and the Titans. So yeah, not enough strong teams in SL. but our next two games are our toughest test yet.

Re: Salford (a) x2 : Sun May 26, 2024 9:50 pm  

moto748 wrote:

Hard to disagree, as I just watched the Warriors' heroic efforts against the Dolphins, and the mega tussle between the Broncs and the Titans. So yeah, not enough strong teams in SL. but our next two games are our toughest test yet.

The Aussie press was highlighting the star players missing before their magic weekend, I watched all the games and most were as entertaining as any NRL games all season.

Re: Salford (a) x2 : Sun May 26, 2024 10:17 pm  

NickyKiss wrote:

The game was won at 18-0 and we then really took the foot off the gas. It’s pleasing to see the defence getting back to it’s best, with us now conceding only 6 points in each of our last 3 games and 8 in the one before that.

On to next week and it’ll be interesting to see what Peet does. We’re definitely not playing a full side, with him confirming post match that he’ll use the squad. I don’t think we’ll rest everyone but I could see 7 or 8 getting a week off. At the very least I’d be resting Thompson given his past concussion issues and Field given they’ve said he’s been carrying an issue.

Another straightforward win where we didn’t get out of second gear.

Next week I’d go

Hampshire (Field probably still carrying a knock)
Miski
Keighran
Eckersley (he should get a game as he’s the next man up should any of the 3/4s get hurt)
Marshall
French
Smith
Havard (Still working back to fitness)
Leeming
Cooper
Nsemba
Walters
Ellis

Mago
Byrne
Hill
Forber

Thompson/O’Neill/Farrell/Field/Wardle getting rests.

Miski, Keighran, French, Nsemba all to play to keep working together defensively as they are still fairly new combination.

I’d understand resting Smith/French though.

Re: Salford (a) x2 : Sun May 26, 2024 10:20 pm  

I can't imagine MP will rest Smith.

Re: Salford (a) x2 : Sun May 26, 2024 11:04 pm  

Not a big fan of resting too many players before a final. Those missing this week should play to regain some intensity, players should be playing themselves into a cup final position.

Re: Salford (a) x2 : Mon May 27, 2024 12:57 pm  

I think Thomson should get a rest this weekend ready for a big stint in the final.

I Field is still feeling his injury then 100% rest him and I would suggest possibly Wardle and O'Neil . Walters should play as should Cooper, Hill, Havard and I think Nsemba to continue.

Speaking about Nsemba, I've been impressed with his tackling, he can really wrap the ball carrier up and make it trick for an offload.