Our forwards are playing magnificent... there playing for one another, and there such an impact...

Whats worrying me is the fact of our backs. They're not really doing much for me, the games we've won our forwards have been dominant... I'd like to see our backs get into the same kind of play and have the whole team playing for one another.

We have some pretty awesome backs... think its time we utilised it and smashed Superleague up!!!

Big test next week against probably the best set of forwards in SL...Shame their backs are gash.

They both look completely different players from last year, even from the wigan game cusack looked far better

I rated Cusack last year, so for me the biggest revelation has been Dowes. In the best form of his life right now - bending the line in attack and crunching tackles in defence. Superb.

Tickle has been top notch in all games so far, and last night Manu looked to be getting back into some form as well.

Kudos to them all. They've really stepped up a level or two from last season.

Totally agree. Think we will only get better too!

Dowes needed a big season after a very average 2008 and he has started extremely well. He seems much fitter and stronger. Presumably this is a combination of his short stint in London on his personal fitness programme and the arrival of Ben Cooper.

Definitely. Opposing players now hit him and bounce, whereas before he'd probably lose some ground. And I've [inever[/i seen him bend the line before, even when he's been in good form.

Him and Tickle are possibly our two most improved players IMO.

Good post!

What has impressed me is the discipline shown so far this season, we don't seem to be giving stupid penalties away all the time like before. This was something that Carvell used to be particularly guilty off which negated most of his good play, but also Radford and Graeme Horne have both been good whereas they used give away many penalties.

Thackray now seems much better at carrying the ball and doesn't drop it or get it knocked out like he used to.

Really pleased with Dowes and Tickle. Dowes needed to improve on his last 2 seasons. Before the season started i was talking about Tickle missing out when Crocker comes. Ive had to change my mind on that havent i!

(fwiw Manu would be the worst of our back rowers currently)

thought Willie had a good game last night, seemed to put in more work and dosome hard graft for a change too

must be the Peter Sutcliffe look changing his game

The team reminds me of the early 90's (Premiership winning team). Not very expansive but very workman like, forcing the oppostition into mistakes.

He was improved but if one of Radford, Tickle or Manu had to drop out to accomodate Crocker it would be Manu currently.

Berrigan is a class apart from the rest, his distribution and organising is like watching a quarterback orchestrating all around him. Sadly I feel he is being let down by others NOT being on the same wavelength, on more than occasion last night in the 'red zone' with Thorman at 1st reciever Berro scooted from acting halfback leaving Thorman looking at his dust trail, had he been up his ar$se we would have had more points on the board.
Thormans support play is woeful at times and needs addressing if we are to pose more threats.

think even more important than that is that hes stopped trying to tip toe round people. on the rare occasion in the past he ran at people he made yards but hes always semed too soft to/ been told not to do it

That will come with time when he learns when Berro will be going himself etc.

But he'll have to get in front of Sniffer Horne

Thought he was much improved from the Celtic game when I saw him last.

This may be a slightly controversial view, but I reckon he looks better when used from the start rather than as an impact player. Seems to get more involved.

I still prefer him off the bench but he hasnt really brought any impact from there this season.

Just waiting for dowes to do something like whats in my Sig below (and no not the elbow facial!)

agreed a couple of times Berro shot out of dummy half and commited there deffence then when he looked round to pass there was no one with him could do with a Hall or Manu on is shoulder

oh yes I bet he feels a proper plank at present

I for one cant wait for the Wires match this year ... whats the odds on Carvel saying he is injured then!!

He's already injured!