One thing that has concerned me over the last two weeks is the number of times Jackson Hastings has been tackled in possession of the ball on the 4th tackle, meaning that our only kicking option on the 5th eas Harry Smith. This makes it so much easier for the opposition to only have to worry about one player.

It happened before the Farrell kick in the second half and we were that far left, that Faz had no option just to hit and hope. I’d like to see Hastings drift around the field more and control things. There were times yesterday he was playing like an extra forward taking the ball in. He’s playing well enough Hastings but I don’t think we’ve got the best out of him yet.

Hastings sees so much of the ball, though. I was just looking at the stats. Marshall worked really hard out of defence, 151m, and more carries than anyone, except... Hastings

I think it's a continuing theme, though. Go back a couple of years, and we were rather too reliant on a moment of magic from George Williams or Gildart to wins games. Nowadays you could say similar, but replace GW and Gillie with French and Marshall.

That's because Hastings is driving at the line on the 4th tackle. Bizarre tactic.

Why?

I just re-watched the game. I agree last-tackle options weren't always great, but what did strike me was that Hastings really put in a shift. And Harry Smith has been working on his tackling. And bar that awful pass behind everyone, he was fine. Seems to me that our defence is decent, we clearly have plenty of attacking threat and can score some great tries. The fact that were're not meshing together often enough is a matter of polish, the raw materials are there.

Well said mate!
When we click we will score points for fun, just need a bit longer on the training pitch and match sharpness. And the defence is as good as Wane's days, although a few too many missed tackles.

The defence, workrate and camaraderie is terrific - far better than last year. Often we look good with the ball too. Great base to work from - if we can make less errors and be smarter with kick plays we'll be a very good team.

I would bring Burgess and O'Loughlin back in for Shorrocks and Clark - not sure there's a spot for Flower and Partington at the moment. I'd also like to see Greenwood continue ideally but it probably makes sense that he gives way for Leuluai so there is a hooker/halfback option on the bench.

You’d imagine Lam will pretty much have a full squad to choose from in a couple of games time, so his 17 will be very interesting when that is the case. There’s a couple of guys who’ll need to smash the door down against Catalans (if they get picked) if they want to keep a spot (Bibby, Greenwood and Clark in particular). The picture isn’t as clear now because you can’t leave out Byrne or Havard. They’ve both made a spot their own IMO.

Partington still banned for this one I think, 4 game ban I think he got, served the Salford game pre lockdown and the last 2 weeks.

Lam said him and Gildart should be back the week after Catalan.