the result may not have been important as it was only a friendly, but the fact that we pulled them to pieces at a stroll must be a concern for them, i thought that aiton, ali and john were all stand outs today and amor and johnson seemed to have both stepped up a gear from last season.

roll on widnes

I was impressed with how long Ali's stints were and how fit he looked. Seems to be more of a main man rather than just an impact forward for 10/15 mins.

Great performance all round. I loved the way that Smith and Johns took on their line and on occasions almost walked through them. Effort was there from everyone - especially after half time when they at last sorted out who was doing what in receiving the kick-off!! I also liked the way that Cas stepped up a gear at the start of the second half and scored and then we stepped up a gear as well to more than match them.

Yep a good day at the office. Now bring on the season proper.

I'm not surprised to hear that Emmit was involved in some argy-bargy. I posted last season after a televised game that he looks like a good prospect but needs to sort his attitude out; I forget which game it was, but he spent the whole match mouthing off at Ganson, whining and waving his arms around like a big babby.

Friendlies are not about results as we all know (though winning is always nice)

What I saw today was a balanced team across the park. Not world beaters, but not lacking quality either. Not seen that at Wakey for a while. If we have good team spirit, avoid injuries and stick to the plan top 8 is a possibility as is a cup run. That's not to say I'm getting ahead of myself, I'm just suggesting what this team may be capable of but as we know these games are a poor guide.

This squad reminds me of the 2004 lot. Collis looks every bit as good as Domic. Lautiti looks serious so that's Solomona. John is a better Rooney. Amor is Dallas Hood JOKE - Amor looks the best prop we have had in years and if Leeds don't recall him I'll be gobsmacked - let's hope they don't have an injury crisis.

Southern looks a real grafter and what's not to like about Cockayne on the pitch at least. I like them all to be honest with no obvious weak link other than Mathers under the bomb which they really must work on.

We all know Smith is class - whether he manages that all season is up to him - if he does then we are on a winner.

Finally Aiton and Ellis look two of the quickest and smartest hookers on the block. Aiton in particular. I was told by a certain Australian playing from another club that Aiton would be the best overseas signing for SL this season. He's come in under the radar but that was as good a stint from a hooker I've seen in a while, friendly or not - and I reckon he can do the full 80 minutes. Just need the rest of the team to read him which hopefully will come.

With Wilkes and Raleigh (who I reckon will be another good signing) I hope we will compete which is all I ask.

That said we are probably onto a hiding to nothing at Widnes.

Great stuff this, well done Wakey, Without trawling the pages, how did the ex-HKR boys do?

Kinley - We took 2million, naturally.

Vasty

I agree with all of that but the guy who suprised me the most was washbrook. I questioned his signing but he proved me wrong today and he seems to work really well off smith. well deserved man of match.

Foxy had a good game and so did Charlie. Both worked hard

What I have seen of Collis this season I believe we may have a gem of a centre there, Smith and John ran the show and Aiton was outstanding, it was really pleasing to see players in their natural positions, with time our timing will come and when it does we will surprise one or two

How did Slater and Walshaw get on?

I didn't see that but I did see/hear a group of their fans chanting that they had a 'gay in the team', bit dangerous isn't it that bearing in mind what happened at Cas a few seasons back. Even if it was only said as a joke their players didn't seem impressed as they walked towards them after scoring one of the final tries



I was really impressed with Wakey today though, they played like they wanted to and showed a lot of potential, just what I was hoping for

Hell, totally forgot about him - just shows how well we did. Yep you're right and had no problems with his MOM.

Mariano?

Good result this, Friendly results [uonly[/u don't mean anything [iIF [/iyou're team's just been pumped.

what a fantastic win against are nemesis we played to super league standards while they played it like a friendly match not bothered if we don't win another game now we have beat cas . Not bothered they had seven players out we had two out as well. Come on old trafford and wembley lets get are holidays booked at work for these dates .

Mariano wasn't playing broke toe falling down some stairs.Yes really.
Cockayne solid made some hard yards.
Fox looked sharp.. build his confidence and he'll do well.. creating a good partnership with Collis too #potential

I've been going to Belle Vue for more than 50 years and regard myself as a pretty good judge regarding attendance! I honestly don't know where these attendance figures come from - I'll say no more other than I'll eat my hat if that was todays attendance!

Sorry must have lost count!!!


Good result for your lot mate!!!

I did actually say i didnt hear what was said as it was down in the corner (donny road end) but as he walked past us he was swearing at the fans. Even the cas fans stood at the wall told him his language was discusting

Official attendance was 2,200. Some woman said on another thread that she had been told in the shop that 5000 tickets had been sold.

The fans I were on about were behind the sticks, up top at the end of the game.

Walshaw came on for the last 10 mins or so, didn't have much chance to get into the game. To be honest I can't remember Slater coming on, but that may be a combination of my eyesight and my memory

I think the best thing that will come out of today will be the confidence, we all know they can play Rugby but it's getting that confidence in themselves and each other. It really looked like the trip to France had done them the world of good because they certainly didn't look like a brand new side. Really pleased with everyone's performance but particularly the likes of Smith,Luke, Aiton, Ellis and how well they linked up with the forwards and the backs. Got to say Washbrook and Trout really impressed today, could turn into some player young Trout.

I think we have two cracking centres as well!

It seems you haven't taken the loss well, commiserations flower.

Although it's nice for us to hammer Cas, we shouldn't read into this too much, Widnes will come out all guns blazing and will have the crowd behind them, could be a cracking match.

forget the score , forget the performance of either side, what concerns me again today is drunken wakefield fans who, on their way out of the ground , persist in walking up the terracing behind the sticks to abuse and goad the cas fans at the top into a fight,
its happened on my last 3 visits to wakey and if it wasnt for the intervention of the big lads on security there would have been a brawl - again.
I go home and away watchin cas , this doesnt happen at cas, it doesnt happen at any other SL ground, only wakey
i know its a minority that behave like this, but its there , and its not nice. Its not kids, its blokes of all ages.
it prevents my wife from visiting BV, she refuses to go anymore because of the hatred she's witnessed, and I know it prevents others from going to wakey, shame really because Ive got friends who are wakey fans and I know J Elston personally
not sure what the answer is but it spoils the day every time we visit
best of luck for the coming season to wakey, shame on the drunken minority

Afraid it does happen at cas, one of your fans started swearing and threatening (not goading) my cousin for no reason other than he was a vile man.

Your wife should stop going to cas home games vs wakey then as I hear plenty of banter and choice words from both sets of fans during games at your gaffe.

It happens at alot of SL grounds not just ours.

You sir talk what is universally known as babba.