No props, no attack, no kicking game, no coach, no structure and questionable team spirit.

Yes I think we are pretty shoite.

We just don't score enough points for me to give me any semblance of confidence in avoiding a major battle.

HKR have Tony Smith who in all likelyhood will improve their game and London are streets ahead of us terms of structure and team spirit.

I actually can see us not scoring a try tomorrow night if Leeds tackle like they did last week.

I'm probably at the extreme for quite a number of fans but it is a genuine view and not one that I particularly like

Just how long is it going to take these anti-doping guys to sort Hamlin out?

Well our kicking game is back for Leeds, Itchy, so we'll see what he can do for us. Not easy for any half, though, with our poor forward pack. I'm not optimistic, Leeds is a tough place to do to at the best of times, and that's sure not where we are now.

said this to my dad this week

We'll win, on form we've the best full back in the world; Dan Sarginson. If you don't believe me check out Lam's latest interview.

Nevermind your lightweights like Tedesco and Ponga, Sarge is your man.

I saw that earlier and nearly fell of my seat on the bus home from work! He did play very well and it’s a position he needs to play on a regular basis somewhere though. I think he’d be held in far higher esteem if he was. Doubt I’d have him in the top one though



We’ll get beat without any question tomorrow. I’m still stumped how we came away with a win on Sunday given how poorly we played. The body language was horrendous and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

A win tomorrow and we're 2 points off a play off place! Quite staggering really. If that’s not motivation enough, I don’t know what is....

I'd be amazed if Sammut got more than 20 minutes so for 3/4 of the game we won't have a kicking game and is one of the reasons why I think we will get thumped.

Has Sammut actually played a full 80 minutes this season?

I am assuming that Lam will start with Powell at 9 and TL at 7.

Catalans at home, best performance of the season, by a mile.

Didn't he play 80 v Wire away?

This just shows how stupid the decision was to change the play offs from top 4 to top 5.

Neither Leeds or Wigan should be anywhere near the play offs this year, we haven’t earned the right to become champions. But the winner tonight will have 5th place within sights.

What happens if the top 3 run away with it and 4th place are 6/8 points adrift?

Last season Castleford finished 5th and were only 2 points off 3rd.

Do you suggest we see how the season is going and then just decide in September what the playoff system will be?

I trust that you are correct.

I know that he has had a ban and injuries but why hasn't he played more 80 minute matches?
I suspect it is because Lam prefers to start with TL and Powell because of their better defensive qualities.

Now that ZH is out it may force Lam's hand but I will be surprised if he does change his preferred starting line up.

For me a good pack and a good kicking game is a minimum unfortunately, because of a poor squad mix we fail miserably on both counts for the vast majority of games.

What about when 1st place runs away with it like the last 2 seasons? Do we just give them the title and scrap the playoffs completely?

It was a good decision IMO. If you finish 5th, you need to beat everyone above you either away or at Old Trafford. Under last season's system, there was little difference between finishing 1st and 4th. Hull beating Cas last night was a great result for us. Win this and we're well in the mix to make the play offs.

Stop being positive Grimmy, it’s strictly forbidden on here!!

I hadn't even considered that, but thinking about it, you're probably right. Which is depressing in itself.

Hankinson absolutely superb tonight. Managed to tame Hurrell and kicked perfectly.

One for the haters.

He was outstanding. The kicking in particular was a joy to watch given our struggles in that department since Richards left. It’s a string to his bow which could help keep him in the team.

Tough choice now when Hardaker is back because the energy Sarginson brings from the back is invaluable as well.

I’d bring Hardaker in for Marshall. Sarginson can be as energetic bringing the ball back from the wing, Hardaker is better and more experienced for last ditch fullback tackles.

Some yardage and size in that back five too!

Hardaker
Burgess
Gildart
Hankinson
Sarginson

Anyone who wants criticise Sarignson needs to take a long hard look in the mirror.
As always (same at HKR last week) another 80 minutes of tremendous effort.

And again, another 80 from Isa
That must be his 17th/18th 80 in a row?

Absolutely made up to be wrong on my forecast tonight.
Not pretty but great teamwork.
Hankison's kicking was brilliant.

Agreed Sarginson played very well. Made some mistakes defensively in the first half though e.g. Merrin try, so couldn’t put him over Hardaker. As another poster said, need Sarginson, Hardaker and Hankinson all in the squad... just not sure how.

They’re targets when we lose and that’s a real shame because both are great squad players in a salary capped sport. I hope we’re in talks with Sarginson to extend his stay. If we could just get a deal over the line to have him as a pure utility covering across the back line it would be smart business for me.


Funny to see the pair of them pushing and shoving at each other on the way off at half time. With some players you’d worry about team spirit but I believe they’re good mates and I’d take it as a sign of passion.

Thought his tackling was excellent, showed that hitting low is the way to go