Proud,

That would be the best way to describe how I feel after tonight's match. I thought all the senior players gave it a good shot, and the young lads, of which we had many, really stood up.

With a bit of luck, and a fair crack of the whip I think we would have won, against a strong Giants team.

No mention on Sky of our severely weakened team, nor of the run of questionable decisions during the match.

I would not criticise BJB, nor any of the team, they all tried, and they were never going to win, Sky and SL did not want us to win !!!! as they also want Bradford out of SL.

Anyway I will always be a Rhino, we may have lost the match but I think we got the moral victory tonight,

Sky mentioned the number of young lads several times. They all performed pretty well I thought. Didn't look out of place. Right sinny looked anonymous too

To be fair Eddie was missing so that makes a big difference.

Apart from his try I thought Sutcliffe was poor to be honest. In fact the more I see of (S) Ward and Sutcliffe the more I think they'll both end up in the back row, which is what 've said for 2 years now. The 2 lads in the academy Liley, and Morgan Smith look more like natural half backs to me.

Josh Walters is a very good tackler

I agree, this is the most sensible post on here tonight no doubt, we have performed well below par over the past month ish with yes, not a full team - but with no strong fullback, a team is weakened, in terms of our game, one of the most important positions out there.



If we play like we did today against a nearly full strength team with players average age 20 on the field, please, field them every week.




I would criticise the fact we threw in BJB at fullback without him (correct me if wrong) not playing there at all this year. He has lost a bit of his ability under high ball, and his 40/20 measure was way off, surely should have stopped at least one of them, but Brough was kicking with pure class tonight, Sinny, Not so.


All in all, I am also 'proud'. We could have thrown the towel in after we went 12 behind, and 2 weeks ago, we would have.

One player I was impressed with which many may not agree was Walters. Really shaping up to be another great young player. So tonight, I'm happy... ish.

How many of your U19's played tonight?
Sutcliffe and Ward? Any more?

How did your U19's go tonight v Hudds U19's?

Sutcliffe, Robbie Ward, Walters, Briscoe

I thought Josh Walters was the Rhinos best player, great in defence and took the ball up strongly.

I thought Huddlesfield were there for the taking last night, Robbie Ward had a good performance. Our kicking game was poor.

I think I saw Hudds win

Very impressed with Walters - plenty of enthusiasm and a fearless approach. Equally unimpressed with Clarkson (again). Wouldn't lose too much sleep if he moved on.

1 down and 4 to go for Zak, we certainly could have used him last night

think i heard the giants U19's won 30-10.

I thought Walters and Ward were the brighter spots. It was generally a fairly lacklustre performance. Both teams dropped far too much ball. And it wasn't the youngsters primarily at fault.

I really like the look of Walters, what position has he been playing (backrow?) as I haven't been able to tell with him coming off the bench. Looks a stronger runner and aggressive runner and thats despite his size, think he will make a very good SL player.

I have still never seen, not at any moment, something to make me think Sutcliffe is the long term stand off for this club. He just doesn't have anything creative in him. Works hard the lad, but just nothing magic about him, which every top half back has to have something. Backrow could be his position for me too.

As for the match, Proud would be taking it too far. I thought McDermott got it right last night though. Often he gets the blame when we lose, but I thought he got it right and the players got it wrong. I hear of scapegoats, and BJB getting the stick. BJB was gash, but if I had to pick a scapegoat, and it really pains me to say it, it would be Sinfield. He was dreadful again for me, making errors, and wrong choices on numerous occasions. I don't know what has happened to him over last month, but I really hope he can get it back to finish his career how he deserves.

Thought Luke Briscoe looked better than Robbie Ward, that was a great stroke from McDermott was that, never expected that one. Would like to see more of him.

Don't know why Singleton wasn't in, but what a shame he couldn't have been there instead of Kirke. Enough said there I know, but he really is useless.

Thought Bailey had his best game in a long time, although it certainly can't be said defence is his strong point anymore. He is looking very average defensively, but thought he looked great carrying the ball yesterday.

I thought the three hits from Kylie were very impressive - Mind you didn't see much of him after that though

Same here. So young but looks physically ready. Had a dig and didn't look out of place.

Seconded. His distribution was snappy.

And unpredictable, whilst looking like really good hands.

Not sure if it could be seen on the tv, but at the match (with the full pitch to view) he always seemed to make the right choice in his selection, and watching the play around him to make his move.

It was certainly a promising start for a first game and a new position. Would like to see more of him to see how he goes.

Seconded

Mature for his age

Obviously he gets plenty of plaudits, but the opening try from Watkins was absolute class - reminded me of Paul Newlove.

Luke Briscoe at DH was a surprise to me, but then I don't see a great deal of the junior grades. I thought he was very good there. His first instinct is to take a step forward rather than sideways and then release the ball, which got his forwards on the front foot.

I've also been very impressed with Robbie Ward. His distribution is good, he scoots at good times and defensively while he still has a bit of inexperience about him he gets most things right.

Sinfield, T. Briscoe and BJB were the stand out poor performers for me. Not the most worrying thing though, we know how good they are. Issues of form are temporary and they'll be back.

I disagree on that. I think it is a massive worry with Sinfield. He has never gone through a phase like this in his Leeds career. It is too many games on trot now, and even before that earlier this year he wasn't having a great season. Something is wrong with him, because the levels he has been at over last month, compared to the Sinfield we have had for years are massively below par.

He is making errors, but more importantly he is making really poor decisions all the time. He is the captain, leader, and the guy who calls all the moves. Errors happen in games, and sometimes can be luck, but decision making is crucial. at 12-6 up and right in front of the Giants post in first five minutes of second half, that should have been a drop goal all the way, and IMO the match was won. Any other side would have took that option. At his age, and his experience, he should have known the right move to make there.

Agree on L. Briscoe vs R. Ward.

Have to say that Josh Walters was most impressive in attack and defence - as he was against Leigh. Looks to be a ready made replacement for JJB if he continues to develop.