With the poor performing season of Akers and Frawley hopefully we see Connor and Croft at Half back now. With Miller back our attack will improve. Lots of good things to like about defence now we can build on this. We also have a decent squad now that’s interchangeable it’s early days to take the cue off rack for this season. Frawley to hooker would be my way to go but don’t let him get his hands on ball to kick on last tackle he’s dreadful. Frawley and Lisone a million to be here next season  imo Neither good enough 

For me that is our season effectively over. It was our only chance of silverware and it’s gone. We look absolutely clueless near the oppositions line and despite defending well for the first half we weren’t strong enough physically or mentally to maintain the required level. I think it’s unrealistic to judge a team over 40 mins and hope they can replicate that good 40 for both halves in future games. The better physical specimens will ultimately fare better over the full 80 minutes and we obviously don’t have enough in our current strongest 13. I fear the rest of the season we will just be judging how much we’ve improved by how small a margin we can lose by against the best opponents.

One of the things that was so bad last season was the lack of improvements after having challenge cup weekends off, hopefully under Arthur they will be put to better use, particularly to work on attack.

The switch off periods can't be seen in isolation. It's no good saying we were doing well, on the front foot etc. apart from the 15 mins we switched off - these periods are part of the 80 mins and are costing us games. There's much to build on. The defense is much improved, line speed better, Connor gives us variety and execution, much better ends to sets, Lumb promising much, etc., but until we can focus for the full 80, both as individuals and as a unit, none of that will matter. I don't expect to win every game, but when we do lose I expect the other team to win it, rather than us beating ourselves. This isn't about basic football skills, it's mental focus, each knowing their role and sticking to it under pressure. It's a cliche but sticking to the game plan really is key. It's a simple game - yes, speed and physical strength are important, but so is mental strength. The strength not to panic, trust that when you do you role well the team benefits, trust in your teammates to do their roles well, play to the plan. It can be taught, some players may be more receptive than others of course, that's the job of the coaching staff to work that through and make decisions on that basis. It's a team game. We all like to see exciting individuals, of course we do, but ultimately a cohesive team, one that knows what it is trying to do and how each member contributes to achieving that outcome, will always win out over a period of time. 

Re ECW


It reminds me of when Brian Mc was in charge, and we made a signing he didn’t authorise, so just gave him minimal game time.


I suspect Ian Blease brought him in without much input from Brad.


BTW, this sites now a complete unworkable mess.

I've never seen a player blow a chance of a contract extension as quickly as Lisone. What a waste of time he's been. Frawley at least offers professionalism and consistency within the obvious limitations of his abilities. It's crystal clear that both need to leave next year, but I wouldn't be too fussed if Lisone went tomorrow.