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. 

Harry Newman is the incumbent England Centre, to say he wouldn’t get into a top Six SL side is ridiculous.

I agree both Newman and Bentley probably 2 of our best players.
Connor should play in the halves but does lack pace.
Holroyd in for Lisone and O`Connor for Ackers the only changes for me.

Thought we matched them, and for large parts, got the better of them, in the physical battle.

Big difference was the intelligence.

Sam Lisone, already been highlighted, James McDonnell with yet another stupid, pointless PTB penalty, deep in their territory, he does it every game, and its bloody infuriating.

Overall though, thought it was a good battle, unfortunately we seem to be cursed with idiotic moments and no attacking structure

It seems that we always bemoan the lack of attacking structure no matter who the coach is. The same complaints were made when McClelland, McDermott, Agar, and Rohan were all here. It makes you wonder if it's actually primarily a coaching issue. 

I feel sorry for BA - he has come from a competition/culture of professionalism.  Where players focus on core attributes of fitness and basic skills.  


Sadly the players in the SL don't have these attributes.  Week after week we see players miss tackles drop balls show a distinct inability to run practiced plays and run out of gas early.


It is no surprise that England have improved with the addition of more NRL players.  Until we have more competition for places and a stronger player pool this apathy will continue.  Players know they will get picked every week regardless of how fit they are or how well they play


The standards of skill and fitness in SL are shocking and when compared to the NRL - where BA has previously worked - it is a pale shadow of the latter.  It is no shock how few SL raised players are wanted and are successful in the NRL