Just got back and not read everyone else's opinion.

My thoughts where that we controlled the tackle really well. Especially when Sia or TP were in attendance. Rather than pound the player to the ground, the emphasis was to hold the player, then dump. It was pretty perfect in the first half. The Bradford fans were calling for holding down, but the simple fact was the Bradford players where not hitting the deck until 3 or 4 seconds into the tackle.

The 2nd half this slacked off a bit but, we had more interchanges on, the tackles involving Sia still had a lot of control to them.

But we did get a bit sloppy in places.

Attack wise, very good in the first half. Lomax at FB did what most people predicted and had alot more joy with his shimmies and steps out wide rather than in the middle of the park. Although 2nd half his case of the dropsies came back. We could have had a few more tries in the 2nd half if everyone held the ball a bit better with the line under pressure.

Wilkin's first half kicking was a masterclass. 2nd half he had less time to kick as Bradford were more in our faces. But still not really a terrible kick that I remember, the closest was where he almost missed touch, but almost is not the same as missing touch.

Wheeler had his moments, chimmed in well. Nothing amazing but took his chance really well and should get another oppertunity injury permitting.

We got good territory and really took all our chances first half. 2nd half, well we bombed some oppertunities. Not bothered too much about the tries for Bradford. They both smacked of a lack of concentration in a tighter game you would hope we would not let those in.

All in all a very good report. It does not make us world beaters, bearing in mind the opposition. But definately back on the horse.

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www.saintsrlfc.com/news/page/2778

She's the same on redvee mate, all be it under a different user name.

Just got back.

A much improved performance today, first half we looked really threatening with ball in hand, and were far more clinical in attack. The combination between Wheeler and Wilkin in the halves looked impressive, and although the kicking game was decent last week, it was superb today. Jon Wilkin has taken alot of stick on here, and on occasions, rightly so, but he was superb today at #7, and his kicking and distribution were both excellent.

Jonny Lomax was top class at full back, and was almost magical with ball in hand. He was dangerous every ftime he had the ball in his hands, and caused problems every time he joined the line. He took every high ball in front of him, and as suspected, Sammut and Addy peppered him in with the high bomb. I have been saying for a while that he should be playing in a position where he can run onto the ball and use his running game, and playing #1 gives him the luxury to be able to do that. His threat alone out the back caused problems, giving the lads both inside and outside him more time and space with ball in hand.

I thought the inclusion of Ade Gardner made a huge difference, and although he made a few mistakes, he worked hard when carrying the ball up the middle, and along with Lomax and Meli, his kick returns got us on the front foot, and the quick play the balls generated by him gave the forwards easier meters later on in the set.

Big wraps for Willie Manu who scored a cracking try, and showed off the power, footwork and ability that we know he is capable of. He carried the ball up strongly, and made a few decent breaks himself down the left hand side. Soliola had a good game, and was much more disciplined defensively which was great to see.

Not perfect, but a much improved performance from the previous three weeks. Hopefully we can take that into the next few weeks, starting with Leeds on Friday.
COYS!!!

What does this mean - "I can tell you when Paul Wellens is fit he will be playing. Make of it what you will."

The chairman told him he has to play or something?

No he is being a good coach.

He's not going to say, pft Wellens is going in the bin.

A happy squad is a good squad.

Also he does not state where he will be playing. A very good answer if you ask me. I think today has shown that players should be tried in new positions and not named as one thing and one thing only.

So from the people who were actually at the match how did that half back pairing go was it more effective and creative. I,m assuming same team for next week, well done Mr Brown on his decision to drop players and trying an option that proved successful. Wouldn,t it be great if we can get a full season out of Wheeler, we can only hope he is long overdue for an extended run.

It went well mate.

Wilkin took charge from first receiver, and his kicking game, first half in particular, was excellent. Wheeler had a decent game, made a couple of half breaks, and as I said, the pair of them linked up well. With Lomax at #1 we have plenty of options with ball in hand, and although I expect Gaskell will make a come back, Wheeler did his chances no harm whatsoever.

Wilkin played well Is kicking game was excellent in the first half wheeler is hard to judge because for me he didn't do anything more then wat lomax and gaskell have been doing I keep Wilkin at 7 lomax at 1 but its problary toss of a coin for six me which gaskell would edge at the moment because his kicking and pass game is better and he the best goal kicker we have which could be handy next two weeks

I'd say the same. Wilkin did all the kicking and organising.

But Wheeler did well, nothing amazing, but latching onto some breaks did his chances no harm at all.

You have to say stick with what is working. I'm a Gaskell fan, but I'm a Saints fan first and if it works it works. Stick with it. Gaskell will have to bide his time and see if he can work his way back in when injuries come.

I'd also same for Wellens. Although being Captain means he will be back, but no reason why he can't start on the bench.

one of the first moves Rush made when he turned us around last season was to move Melissa back to the wing and re-instate Garnder in the place of the diminutive Foster and Makinson. It gives us a massive boost starting our sets.

Really glad things went well today. Bringing Wheeler in at #6 is an interesting idea. Gaskell will know his place is not guaranteed, but can rest easy knowing Wheelers injuries will mean he'll get another chance soon enough.

I kind of think Gaskell already knew that, don't you? He had it reiterated enough last season.

Personally I hope the lad gets himself a good contract somewhere else because he's just going to be messed around at Saints.

Is this not the reason he was dropped today

That is the only advantage Gardner gives. And Simmons also kept Gardner on board for the same reason. But Gardner has had two seasons in which he has suffered long term injuries.

Is there a rule in rugby league that says only the wingers and fullback can do kick returns?

Sorry, is what not the reason? I don't understand your response?

Well it's not a rule but everybody else is in the defensive line. I certainly hope you don't teach your kids to drop back as props and handle the kick returns.

One of the biggest problems Saints have is an inability to get out of our own half on attacking sets, therefore any squad changes that significantly improve this have to be a positive. I don't see any how anyone can argue otherwise. Gardner was playing really well till he got injured at Cas last year - that try when he outjumped Ryan Hall who is a genuine world class winger springs to mind.

He got big offers from elsewhere

Quite a generalisation to say this "worked" when all reports say Bradford were very poor.

What's to say Gaskell wouldn't have run the show from six if he was operating behind a pack that was on top like today.

You have to take this game in isolation.

I'm a Gaskell fan (not as much as you might believe) and I'd hate to make a mistake with him like we may be proved to have done with Matty Smith - that's my concern.

Somewhere that rhymes with Walford Titty Sheds, perchance?

Arf arf.

I meant what is to stop, say, centres handling the kick returns?

Generally due to the nature of the centre position this wouldn't be possible, in terms of the winger shifting infield. The centre position is very specialised in terms of reading the play and making decisions, it would leave the line very exposed to a power play if we had wingers defending at centre.

Apologies if it's been discussed, but how did Walmsley and Walker go today?

Warmsley, kinda did a guest appearance. He did not drop the ball, performed ok, but nothing special, must in line with Walker.

I'm a fan of Gaskell too, but Wilkin got good distance, hit the ground and split the FB and winger. Can't ask for more.

I really think we need to stop the him or him arguements and just be happy that if it's working you stick and if it does not work someone else can come in and take their place.

For me the 2 half's deserve their spots and should play again next week. Gaskell should not be dropped for the season and if they don't play as well for a couple of weeks then we should change it up again.

I think there has been too much of sticking with one grouping even if it's not producing. Last year it was Lance and Lomax, not changing that cost us in the final big games. If we did the same this year but with Wilkin and Wheeler, or Gaskell and Lomax we would just repeat the same errors.

Ade did give us good go forward, but Meli was still the player who was getting targetted and with some success.