Hicks lets far too much go, he doesnt get too many decisions wrong because he just doesnt make decisions. He did last week, and did it this week again, just let the 10 get squeezed down. Players were getting tackled at first and 2nd receiver last night as the ball got to them by players who werent sprinting. With saints huge, strong pack, a lesser side would have been pummelled last night. It took a huge effort from our outstanding pack to make yards. All 5 props, especially Garbutt, were brilliant at getting an few metres a run they really didnt have a right to get.

imagine this side with a real quality 2nd row option. Ablett has been below his usual standard, and Delany has no hands. Stevie Ward is getting there but a real top quality wide running, offloading 2nd row......

He was the same for both sides though and it's not like it detracted from the spectacle, so I don't have a problem with the 10 being a yard short.

I'd rather see that than a ref taking players back 12 and resulting in scattered, tired defences and the game turning into a basketball scoreline.

[urlhttp://superleague.co.uk/report/12048[/url

Stats from the game. Everyone contributed, the only negatives are Ablett's missed tackled stats, but I though his general play was good.

The 5 front rowers were all outstanding, and I'd still take a 'shot' JP over the majority of props in the game.

It didnt take away from the spectacle because Leeds stood up.

And teams should be able to get back 10. Im not saying we need a big 10 but we dont need to make things easier for defence, Its no coincidence that the last two weeks have been relatively low scoring.

Some impressive stats considering the game.

As I said a month or so ago, Ablett is ever present and clearly that's showing. The injuries to our back row options is starting to show with Delaney struggling and Ablett in need of a rest,nevermind Ward and JJb out for long spells and Achurch next to useless. Keinhorst again didn't seem to let anyone down and I think he put a huge hit in at one point. I think he deserves his place in the GF squad.

Is Achurch still injured?

great stats for Watkins there, 28 tackles, none missed, 21 carries, 128yards, 3 tackle busts, 2 clean breaks, 4 offloads 1 assist.
8.5 yards a carry on 20 carries up the middle is great from Garbutt too.

He gets some (unwarranted IMO) stick on here at times, but I think Watkins has been superb this season. He's after more solid all round player than he was, his defense has come on leaps and bounds in the last 2 years.

Watkins seems to be taking it up the middle a bit more,evident by his off load for Zaks try. Certainly seems to be making a lot of tackles.

When isn't he?. If he is fit would you really give him Keinhorsts spot? or a bench place over lilley would be an option I suppose.

Keinhorst was great last night.Put some crunching hits in at a time when most of the players were gassed. He deserves a shirt at OT after missing out at Wembley he has definitely contributed more than Achurch this season.

Tbh I'd rather have Lilley on the bench simply as injury cover for 6/7/9. That's how little Achurch has contributed this year.

But, what if Delaney's injured, does Walters get in?

it will just be a second bench spot Mcdermott won't use,no matter who takes it

Stevie Ward is having terrible luck I hope the lad is not out too long

thought our bench was very weak last night. needs to be stronger next week but not sure it can be

Don't let JP hear you calling him weak

i meant keinhorst and lilley as you well know

Not a lot else McDermott can do in terms of team selection. The 17 on duty last night were arguably the strongest available, although you could maybe argue a case for Mulhern or Walters ahead of Lilley.

Unless someone is going to come back next week, I'd think it will be same again.

oh I agree andy, but I still think it's a weak bench

It is much weaker than it should be. Missing Aiton, JJB,Ward,Sutcliffe and likely Delaney are big losses for us. With Wigan likely do their usual tactic it will make it very hard for us. Just got to hope Peacock etc get a good rest this week and Garbutt/Burrow have another stomer

Speaking of play off semis against St Helens, the club has posted the highlights of the 2005 game at Knowsley Road, the one with Ali's try.

Wellens really was an amazing fullback when you see how little pace he had.

I watched it back, and I think the amount of pace Ali has, rather than the lack of pace from Wellens is the most striking aspect.

Managed a nice little 30 yard amble off an interception this afternoon, rolling back the years