Hope so. Cats have a huge pack but 2 suspended from round one and although Sims did some great tackles , if he gets one wrong, Cullen will have him out until July.

Terrible shame about Gannon, hope he can recover long term

Yeah it is.

Thankfully he’s still young, the club ate doing the right thing looking after him

Better safe than sorry with Gannon.

Smiths response to the MacDonald question right at the end of the press conference is brilliant.

which was?

Just a flat 'no I haven't' and a straight expression to the question of whether he had any regrets over MacDonald considering how well he played.

Peter Smith has us starting Donaldson at prop yet having all 3 of Goudemand, Sangare and TNW on the bench. Fk that.

Well many of our concerns regarding the front row depth could come home to roost but we will see.. i'm not wanting to be negative but concerns are there.. hopefully we will make up for it with top notch enthusiasm and TNW goes well. Personally i don't fancy us at KR at this time of year... horrible place to go and they are a very decent team at home but would love it if i'm wrong

.

I'd start Smith at prop over Donaldson and have a back three of Martin McDonnell and Bentley.Bring Smith back on later in the game at Loose.

Maybe our dual reg partners could help us out with our front row predicament.

Yes it was, and it was a stupid question from Martyn Sandler looking for a rise from him, glad he gave him short shrift.

Another point on these press conferences, why can't the journalists present themselves a bit better, there's only James Deighton that gives any impression of professionalism.

If that was the case id rather see Oconnor at 13 as he adds some real energy defensively. If Mcdonnell plays i think he starts.

Yes that would work better.

It could be worse, we could have blown loads of salary cap on plodders like Pele, Ese'ese and Knockonball.

https://twitter.com/hullfcofficial/stat ... 38610?s=46 And we think we have issues! I fear for them against Warrington

https://twitter.com/hullfcofficial/stat ... 38610?s=46 And we think we have issues! I fear for them against Warrington

Wow, 60 I reckon. Feel for TS I really like him, though maybe time has caught up with him.

Doesn't help that FC are a bit skint so are cutting costs.

Tony Smith seems to come across like he's enjoying coaching and everything it involves but isn't really bothered about winning stuff, a bit like it's a hobby. Maybe he hasn't got the drive anymore but just enjoys the job.

As you say he's a really nice guy.

I attended a week long coaching camp that he lead some of the content on nearly 20 years ago now, he was by far the most fascinating and genuine coach I'd ever had the opportunity to talk with and listen to his philosophies. Great guy and as you say always seems to enjoy what he does regardless of the outcome.

On a soft pitch we are just going to have to make yardage. TNW and Ruan both in for me, and only one of McDonnell, Bentley or Donaldson.

If we try to defend our way out of this game we will lose.

Agree with that though i think all 3 of the above will find their way in to RS 17.

Bit disappointing that Rohan initially suggested that Gannon did not suffer a HIA, then mentioned that he would be fine and short term and it is now three months. He should have just kept quiet until Gannon had seen the consultant. Managing expectations etc.

Going to be tough without Oledzki and Holroyd and we never seem to do well at KR. It will be a good opportunity to see if the team has improved or remains similar to previous seasons.

We seem to have the same concerns each year. Struggles in the front row and then Newman / Fussy having long term injuries.

He is too laid back,no passion and the on field indiscipline has actually got worse since he arrived.
Put a disciplined team on the field and we may compete but thats all.
The club/Pearson has no money,and if you cant sign quality players then any team will struggle.
How a club with the support this club has can get to this position is purely down to bad management at the top and the problem is that the Club is Pearsons only income which is likely the reason he wont sell or the reason any investor wont come in if they are just a seat on the board of Directors

Playing Donaldson at prop is just so negative.
This pretty desperate, but completely predictable, situation with both starting props injured is made for blooding the likes of Ruan and TNW.
Give them game time for gods sake.
I don't have a problem with Donaldson, but I have a massive problem with him getting minutes at prop over those two.