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.

I've been consistently critical of Lisone since the Rohan days. Two unforced errors with game-changing circumstances from him. It's time to drop him for a few games. I'd imagine there are already no plans to renew his contract.


Connor adds a lot from the halves but there's a lot of work needed to turn him into a top half-back. He was exposed defensively for one of the Saints tries, and his lack of pace is a problem, especially if we want to play him at full-back. And then there was the silly pass to Lumb...


I thought Miller was really strong, showing us what we've been missing, especially given that he's only trained with the team once (according to Arthur), and they were not expecting him to play the full 80. He's a difficult runner to handle with his tackle busts, and defensively is much better at stopping breaks (than Connor). I appreciate they have different roles, but I stand by my comment of a few weeks ago that Miller has been a better signing than Croft - we consistently get more out of Miller, and the mistakes are getting less frequent.


Leeds probably need to bite the bullet with Croft and potentially look at letting him go when his Australia release clause next becomes active. The fact that Jake Connor looks more creative in the halves after a handful of games says it all. We should be getting more from our investment. Still time to see him at his best if Arthur gets the team to start performing.


Forwards were good, Lisone aside. Why commentators can't separate Oledski and Jenkins is getting pretty embarrassing - the other week it was Palasia and Lisone! Predictably Kyle Amor was in amore with the Saints forwards for most of the game, but Leeds were actually bossing it for large segments let down only by individual errors.

I thought Oledski and Jenkins were excellent probably the best two props on the pitch