If they can't beat us now, when can they?, with our current team i.e. starting hooker, both starting props, only centre and playmaking forward (and best tackler) injured and fullback carrying one. We should struggle against any team with that all at once.
If warrington can't beat us now they have not progressed under Smith at all.

Wrong anything can happen in just one game you judge progress over a period of say 10-15 games not just one, also those players out this weekend may well be back the week after.

I suppose Scully would be a good example of this,
But I think most people could agree, if KC wants another year, He deserves one?

Exactly. If KC wants one more year he should be offered one, albeit at a much reduced rate or a dual player/coach role.

For me the priority is getting Scott Moore established as Saints hooker. I take he's got a contract for next season? If he's not, I'd say it might be time to call a day on KC.

If the priority is in getting Moore established, keeping Cunningham effectively reduces the number of games Moore has to form an understanding with his team mates.

When we were semi-pro you could argue there was a place for sentiment in the sport. But fully-pro? Not a chance.

If we want to show our respect to Cunningham for all the great years he's helped us to - build a statue, or name a stand in the new stadium after him. Giving him the opportunity to become a shadow of his former self isn't respectful in any way.

Hopefully it will prove to be the same 'Smith factor' that served us so well in the world cup

Having him on the coaching staff would be a great idea - that way you dont lose his experience totally. We do need to serious think about having Scott Moore back in a Saints short next year or we run the massive risk of losing him.

It all depends on whether we want Moore to take over. If we do, no.



That all depends on whether he wants to coach, whether there's a space for him on the coaching staff and if he's ever shown an aptitude for coaching. Being a top class player does not necessarily mean you'll be a top class coach, in fact for the most part it shows that you won't.

Quote ="Mugwump"If the priority is in getting Moore established, keeping Cunningham effectively reduces the number of games Moore has to form an understanding with his team mates. When we were semi-pro you could argue there was a place for sentiment in the sport. But fully-pro? Not a chance. If we want to show our respect to Cunningham for all the great years he's helped us to - build a statue, or name a stand in the new stadium after him. Giving him the opportunity to become a shadow of his former self isn't respectful in any way.'" Completely agree, Its time to leave on a high, there's not much between the two of them now, except on is 12 yrs younger www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2009

Quote ="Mugwump"If the priority is in getting Moore established, keeping Cunningham effectively reduces the number of games Moore has to form an understanding with his team mates. When we were semi-pro you could argue there was a place for sentiment in the sport. But fully-pro? Not a chance. If we want to show our respect to Cunningham for all the great years he's helped us to - build a statue, or name a stand in the new stadium after him. Giving him the opportunity to become a shadow of his former self isn't respectful in any way.'" Completely agree, Its time to leave on a high, there's not much between the two of them now, except on is 12 yrs younger www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2009

Fair comments but KC is a model proffessional and has been an amazing servant to the club - even if he isnt a great coach if he wants to stay on in some capacity then he could be given a 'mentoring' type role for the younger players. From the noises made by players past and present it would seem that KC does share his experience around and does have a positive influence on the players around him (I recall an interview with Higham who was very complimentary about the King)

Quote ="Saint Simon"Completely agree, Its time to leave on a high, there's not much between the two of them now, except on is 12 yrs younger www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2009'" I dont disagree with you in principle but you shouldnt get too bogged down in stats. Stats dont show the effect a player has on the dressing room or the full picture out on the pitch. KC is inspirational for want of a better term a living and still playing Legend , Scott Moore is still a young lad learning his trade ...

Quote ="Saint Simon"Completely agree, Its time to leave on a high, there's not much between the two of them now, except on is 12 yrs younger www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2009'" I dont disagree with you in principle but you shouldnt get too bogged down in stats. Stats dont show the effect a player has on the dressing room or the full picture out on the pitch. KC is inspirational for want of a better term a living and still playing Legend , Scott Moore is still a young lad learning his trade ...

Sorry, i meant to keep KC some form of coaching role. His influence cannot be overestimated

I'd fully agree with that. I also think we should be using Scully around the youngsters too if we aren't already.

We are, he is teaching them how to speak in the lowest conceivable voice!

Y'know.

Another thing about Cunningham that rarely gets mentioned is his diminishing number of tries. There was a time when a game without a KC five-yard barge over was some kind of freak occurance - like when frogs fall from the sky, or Wigan play like a decent team - and he regularly chalked up over ten tries per season. During the last four years the well has dried up considerably. So far this season he's amassed 4 tries, which - by his standards - is bordering on catastrophic.

I think some of that is down to better defences in general. He is policed pretty well these days when we get close to the opposition line but this works in our favour anyways as it creates gaps for other players.

Correct, they don't show intimidation, how hard you hit them and how much you take out of them, and above all; what you said RESPECT.

Moore isnt half the player that KC is. I reckon he should be allowed to sign permanent to huddersfield... please?

seriously the kid is class in attack and defense and from what i hear is a big influence in the dresiing room too. i Really hope KC signs an extension and you then dont have room for three hookers cos we can build a team around him.

This could actually work in the clubs favour imo,KC gets a big rest ready for what will definately be the gf, the "S" against the Whinos!

You roll your eyes, but he's probably right.

Probably, being the word.
Nothing is for sure - over confidence is never good.

Over confidence is rife amongst Saints fans. We assume we are already at Wembley and OT and that this seasons only real challenge is beating Leeds in the Grand Final.

Truth is that if we go into the semi final withouth Longy and KC winning becomes a fantastic achievement. Even if we made the final, can anyone see us beating Wigan (Or Wire) there without those two? We've not played well against Wigan in particular in the last few games.

The key to this season is the fitness of Sean Long and Keiron Cunningham. The fact that we won't have Longy and may not have KC is a huge concern for me as the much championed kids aren't good enough yet, it's that simple. If they both leave and we continue with this stupid minimal recruitment policy there is only one way we're heading for next season.