looks like the cat has dragged in something unpleasent

He did what we have been crying out for and that was attempt a realistic 40-20 in the first couple of sets. From then on Shudds were mindful of their positioning from as early as the 2nd and 3rd tackle.

I take your point about Motu Tony, but i just could not see the justification in using Smith as a lever to prove your point against Tony, lifes hard enough for him as it is atm trying to establish himself and I just thought your comparison was wrong, oh and this night shift would make anybody grumpy

As I said, I'm not making any point against Tony - I'm a fan!

Couldn't do night shifts!

Was very pleased with Motus performance, we all know the quality he has but we were all a little appehensive over whether he could reproduce the kind of form he's shown over the years. Assured under the high ball in terrible conditions and looks more dangerous going forward from kick returns than our other full backs. I was even more pleased with Smiths performance, after an underwhelming debut v Salford (JKs fault imho for rushing him back a couple of weks too early) and a similary poor performance at Cru (just going on what others have said as I was not at that game) I thought he organised our sets very well and kicked very astutely, him and Moore could well be our settled 6 and 7 should they both continue yesterdays performance and develop a greater understanding with each other. Was impressed with Davey too, made me laugh early on when big Eorl picked him out and ran straight at him, Davey just picked him up and dumped him to the ground! Much stronger than he looks and really hope he gets a decent run in the side as I'm impressed every time I see him play.

Agreed, I really like Davey, technically very good in defence and attack - if he can just bulk uo a bit he could go all the way. We may be lucky with him, a slow developer who we may get some years out of before anyone notices how good he is - a bit of a Sam Obst.

Quality

Thing is though Vasty, I've never seen him have a bad game for us but he doesn't seem to get a decent run in the side. I know we've got to be careful when developing and nurturing these young players but he seems to give us some real zip around dummy half. I'd like to see him have a run of about 9 or ten games to see if he can play consistently well for us, especially if Rinaldi is going to be out for any length of time (anyone know the news on his injury). Davey Lee and Wildie all offer us bags of enthusiasm and can all tackle too, we're blessed in the hooking position and considering the thoughts on our squad at the beginning of the season to say people are discussing or even arguing (you and ngb4c lol) about players in pivotal positions is very pleasing, especially so as we're actually arguing over who is the best of decent players not crap!

I concur but I think you will find NGF4C has decided Blaymire is crap.

He's not my favourite player, I agree with NGB4C that he's not a very good returner of the ball but all other aspects of his game are up to scratch. Not many better under the high ball.

Moore fits the same build as Rooney. Came from the lower leagues with a big reputation, not thrown straight into action. But both made impressive debuts. Just hope Moore can reproduce Rooneys debut season / year or two.

Moore looks more self assured than Rooney. I'm not going to slag a player who has left especially one who gave us good service. However Rooney never had the attitude of a S/H though he had the skill and it stopped him being a really top player. No player has ever found more gaps than Rooney and then refused to go through them, he just never believed or wanted it enough.

Not sure about ability but Moore is cockey, head never went down even when he boobed, never stopped yapping, always wanting the ball. Could be a goodun but it's to soon to tell.

Early doors, but he does look to have Brough-like levels of mongrel feistiness; I think he should be given the SH berth for the rest of the season - we should be prepared to support him through the highs and the inevitable lows as he re-learns his trade at SL level.

The thing that pleased me other than his confidence was his defence. I know it's early days and a long season but he seemed OK, tackled well and kept his position. So two games and no real sign of his defensive frailties which we are told he suffers from.

Keeps up with his goal scoring, could be up amidst top points scorers, or maybe it's a bit too late

I agree with you on that. All the people who had seen a fair bit of him said his defence was poor but from what I have seen so far he has done ok in defence.

Best thing for me was his eagerness to throw a few

We'll soon coach that out of him

Hope not. Whilst I don't want him constanly spoiling for a fight it's not to be sniffed at in a little un imo

That's what I was allluding to really - as a fellow little 'un, I'd say it's essential that he has a bit of dog in him, just like Broughy. Kevin Brown tried to bully him and he was having none of it - he also stood up well to Mason's attempts to take his head off. Good lad!

watched Batley v keighley last season and that big dirty 18 stone lump of a bully prop Andy Shickell tried to rough him up, he ended up on their with the biggest black eye I have seen, the eye was just a slit !! I dont think shickell ever got over it.....

In response to uptoncats query re Rinaldi....he was interviewed in 1873 suite before shudds game...shoulder problem and been playing after having pain killing injections....came back too soon after missing les cats. Seemed to play down that it was a long term prob and expects to be back after latest rest.
I hope so coz i think his experience will be needed Saturday.

Some players really flourish, when they go from part time to full time training and I believe that Moore will be one of these, He seems to have all the right ingredients to be a top class SH and he should be given as much game time as he can to develop.

Fair play to Kear this week - the tactics were much better than the shocking display at Salford ... He was also ruthless in dropping the three quarter pair Dean and Johnson and possibly Rhinaldi ... Selection headache now for him - id image Dean will be back and Rhinaldi in a game that could prove significant come the end of the season ...