Must be well thought of to make it into that 25 man squad today.

Yesterday’s game was a massive test for us, going up against a fitter and stronger team from a higher division on a larger pitch, but the lads rose to the challenge brilliantly. The Giants clearly struggled with creativity in the halves, and with a few players out of position, they couldn’t capitalise on their opportunities. I felt Oliver Wilson was their stand out player closely followed by George Flanagan who set up a lovely try for Morrison (Glenn's son) in the corner. We put together some good field position in the first half and scored some decent tries. Blake's long distance effort being the stand out. Fulton, Ok and Blake will tear some defences apart next season. Baring the silly interception right at the end of the half, the Giants never looked like breaking us down and we played the majority of the game in their half. We were unlucky not to extend our lead, with three tries disallowed due to knock-ons and offsides. That said, our combinations still need some fine-tuning; Meadows throwing the ball into touch three times with an overlap shows there’s work to be done. Most importantly, it looks like we've come through the game unscatched. The win is a huge confidence boost and proves that we can compete against SL opposition when we bring that level of intensity. Let’s carry this momentum forward into the season. Exciting times ahead!

Was pleasantly surprised by how good we looked yesterday. Thought Keyes gave us a new dimension with his kicking. Blake looked a class apart. Donaldson, Lawrence, Scurr, Fulton and Gee went very well too. First half was as good as we've been in years. Thought the early part of the second half Hudders got back into it and we lost a bit of territory but bringing Michael, Mason and Peposhi back helped us steady things. Overall really good. Some combinations to work on to cut out the mistakes when we go wide needed but that's it. Wonder if Gill may find himself in trouble for accidentally taking Halsall out in the air?

[quote="Bullseye":j1aoyhv3]Wonder if Gill may find himself in trouble for accidentally taking Halsall out in the air?[/quote:j1aoyhv3] I think he could potentially be in a bit of bother. It was accidental but ended up being dangerous challenge which resulted in a head injury. The league are clamping down on this sort of stuff so he could be looking at some time on the sidelines.

Well he's got a clean record as far as I remember so hopefully it won't be too big a punishment.

We have added another pre season game to the calendar. We now play Keighley on Saturday at Cougar Park at 2pm. Fully expect this to be reserves and academy players as we have Doncaster the following day in the Challenge Cup.

[quote="dddooommm":2il5op1a]We have added another pre season game to the calendar. We now play Keighley on Saturday at Cougar Park at 2pm. Fully expect this to be reserves and academy players as we have Doncaster the following day in the Challenge Cup.[/quote:2il5op1a] Well, obviously 6 of the players named vs Huddersfield won’t be in the 19 man squad for Donny so could be available for Keighley

I know it's pre-season but Burgess looked really poor to me. Didn't run with any power and looked very unfit.

[quote="Peter Goddard":26dm8v5b]I know it's pre-season but Burgess looked really poor to me. Didn't run with any power and looked very unfit.[/quote:26dm8v5b] He's a big gamble for them. He won't be cheap. I thought Oliver Wilson was much more impressive. Looking at the players they had out they'll be much better when they're back - the main vulnerability IMO is at halfback where they don't have any cover to speak of.

Half time score update from Cougar Park: Cougars 10 Bulls 22 Strong half from the Bulls academy lads.

Looks like Keighley ran away with it in the 2nd half.

[quote="Bullseye":3mj7w8p5]Looks like Keighley ran away with it in the 2nd half.[/quote:3mj7w8p5] That was always going to happen treserves/academy is not the same standard, id love to know how George Rayner did he really looks like a star of the future

Looking ahead to the Dewsbury game on Sunday, how do we think we are going to approach it? Nobby said in his post-match interview that he will be sending a "strong team" to Dewsbury. Do we go full strength and build momentum or rotate and rest some players in preparation for the Castleford game and the start of the season. I'd like us to play with Meadows and Keyes in the halves to continue their development and perhaps give players like Donaldson, Lawrence, Scurr, Souter, Pele, Holmes and Gee (hobbled off during the Doncaster game) the weekend off to keep them fresh for the Castleford cup game. Something like: Raynor Ok Blake Gill Taufua Meadows Keyes Mason Ott Bayliss-Brow Waine Hallas Michael --- Peposhi Liu Lilley Bateman

I think a bit of rotation is in order, the Doncaster game was heavy going (particularly in the forwards). I agree with developing the half back partnership, but maybe a full match isn't necessary. it's a difficult call, you want to keeping momentum and for the team to gel, but it's a long old season..... glad it's someones elses decision.

I assume that the four first-teamers who played at Keighley will , also Bayley Liu

I wouldn't be risking too many against Dewsbury now we have the Cas game which is effectively another warm up game to the league season. These early games on heavy pitches are all about the pack and kicking game - plenty of time for combinations to develop as the season progresses.

Yeah id not be risking anyone in this game. All eyes on the Cas match.