Barba's kick returns and exploiting broken play prior to playing us (and maybe before then) were a different class to anyone in SL. Since he isn't making these big plays and the yards and points that come off the back of them, Saints no longer look head and shoulders above the rest. This surprises me somewhat, as I don't think they're a one man team. There must also be a drop off in the standard of others at Saints, and I don't think it's just coincidence with how Barba's performing and the stories of him doing one. I hope that we'll be better off without Roberts next season, for it must be difficult for a group of players who have a main pivot who's not 100% committed to the cause.

I am pretty sure Barba’s problem was that someone else extracted his urine. Right after he’d powdered his nose.

Interesting that this thread drifted onto Barba.

Roberts was the best half on the field tonight, a top game. Taking the line on, holding the ball up nicely for Hughes and Big Ben to run onto, a 40/20, some nice clearances and just one dodgy one that went too far. Well done, another game like that would go down well.

Winning drop goal in the final? That'd be so funny.

As usual the half-witted "negs" have given Alf far too much stick. He wasn't too bad tonight. Not sure what he did at the end of the game ... did he clap the Wire crowd etc.
Playing half-back is not that easy.

So do we have to reaccess Roberts in any way? Have we got to both finals in spite of him and Brown? Surely that can't be.

Has he coasted until knockout games where he seems to take on the line more? I have noticed in tonights game, the cc final and the semi v Leeds that in each game and within the first 10 minutes or so he has a moment where he gets the ball and tries to cut through, half successfully when he does. Why didn't he do this more often throughout the season? Whats certain is that knockout games definitely show an uptick in performance.

He hasn't worked for us, maybe his heart wasn't totally in the move. However, we have reached both finals with him playing, he has an opportunity with his team mates to become immortal in the fans minds, one final game showing the skills we know he has will certainly give him and us a massive lift. We can then wish him luck on his next move.

In the warm up there seemed to be a real intensity to him while working that left hand side fast ship on to the wing.

Positive posts only please....

Have a nice flight back.
I'll even pay the fare myself.

And I will run him to the Airport.

On the way back please can you stop off at Salford and get Jackson hastings...if only we had him tonight

don't think Roberts is your problem. '
Mr invisible yet again ' Brown

Roberts wasn't great, but Brown was very very poor indeed.

He really needs to go but Price has extended him so go figure.

Austin will give you more of a threat close to the line, but you need a 7 desperately. Patton again looked lost when he finally came on and Brown is done. If I were Price, I'd be getting the medical team to have a word with Brown and persuade him to take one for the team and retire.

It'll be interesting to see where Drinkwater goes. Him and Austin could work well together.

Can't give you an argument

Well yes, that is a bit baffling tbh

Anyway he (Roberts) is off now with a healthy bank balance and a reputation over here as a quitter and a charlatan. We waited all season for him to come good and he was just masquerading as a marquee player. We can all try and forget him now.

I'd absolutely love to see drinkwater on the pnb next season. Perfect fit for us.

I heard last night he was on £400,000

That wouldn't be far off.
He wasn't a top earner in the nrl but still on good money.

I think we should have put Clark at 13 and made Robert play at 9 and earn some money.
He's never a 7 as long as I've got a hole in my bum.
He's not a 9 either but he is a lazy git.

Rubber weren't you predicting he would win the GF for us?

Too right I was. We've invested more money than any team.
That only goes to show that there have been some flaws.
And the title thread I started has highlighted where it is....or a big feckin chunk of it lay.

Here is post no1... 2nd March!
Still haven't changed my opinion.

Then why on earth were you tipping him to win the Harry Sunderland Trophy?