The main reason we could do with making the playoffs is because we could do with whatever extra filthy lucre it would raise. Plus even though we are unlikely to go far in the playoffs if we reach them, it would be more excellent experience under the belts of the likes of Addy, Whitehead, Southernwood etc. in first team knock-out rugby.

And then after all it would also be one more day out for the travelling faithful

Lets hope they don't make it then.

He's not a stand off though is he? I'm sure if we had anyone better they'd be there. We just don't have the cover.




The situation with Kearney turning out to be a better fullback couild have been predicted. Anyone who'd seen him in the past was saying that fullback was his best position. However I think McNamara thought that with Orford at scrum half we could survive with a runner at stand off. Injuries put paid to that idea.

It does look like a bit of a glaring omission to go into the season with only one recognised playmaking halfback. I just wonder if funds were restricted or whether we missed out on getting someone else.

Despite all that I'm not blaming Sykes, who's doing his best and putting his hand up in difficult circumstances. We all know he's not suited to being a playmaker and does mis-read things in defence at times but getting on his back won't help (not that either of you too are).

As far as the subbing policy goes I struggle to see the sense in it at times. The situation yesterday did remind me of the farce in the Wigan semi when he subbed Solo & Newton. Thankfully those sort of balls ups are quite rare. However the use of forwards off the bench leaves me mystified at times, Kopczak for instance hardly gets any game time and so looks off the pace a lot. Give him more game time and he plays better, it's no surprise is it?

I'd hate to be a forward nowadays only getting 20min stints but Koppy must get frustrated with his 10/15mins here or there each week.

The thing with Sykes is he's either really good or really poor, there doesn't seem to be much middle ground. Ive been really impressed with him at 6 at times, on the other hand I've been disgusted.

thing is we werent really planning on going into season with sykes at standoff. Original plan was for kearney to be alongside deacon. Then Orford became available at a late-ish stage and deacon had to go to funds available. kearney alongside deacon would give us a runner alongside a creative half. We tried the same thing with kearney and orford but it quickly became apparent that kearney was better used at fullback where he can chime in as a third half. Sykes does a decent job running off a creative half. He falls down when hes expected to be the creative one imo.

The real issue is the loss of Orford!

A big loss too... Fingers crossed he comes back, he maybe on a big deal but is just what we need to guide us on the pitch.

Deacon will always be well thought off by the Bulls fans, truth is both we and most likely Paul were ready for the change.

I don't blame Sykes, he was pivotal in our late run last year and always puts in 100%. He's just unimaginative in attack and when the pressure is on to come up with something different. I am surprised we haven't persisted with Southernwood, whose crispness of pass and short kicks in attack gave some bite to our attack. As for the interchange with the forwards, I agree when Koppy gets more game time he looks far better and Crossley hasn't done anything wrong for me, but isn't likely to get much of a run out, unfortunately.

I would say it is better to blood these kids now, will do them good for when it is time to step up next year. Look at the year Elliot has had. If he was with leeds, Saints, Wigan then sky would be messing their pants in excitement. James was doing really well until his unfortunate injury.
Addy looks good, Wardle the other week was good, Crossley... give them more time, gain experiance and prepare for the future

Excellent post, and something we should all bear in mind. Yes we are on a terrible losing run, but then we do get to watch the likes of these fledgling talents amongst whom there will surely be some big names of the not-too-distant-future. I know there are those who strangely mock the rebuilding process, but just where did Whitehead, Donaldson, Addy, Wardle, etc come from? Plus we have at least George Burgess waiting in the wings for next season. I agree Whitehead is starting to look exceptional, but also I think Kopczak is still progressing. And (a bit exagerrated) but didn't no lesser pundit than Clarke bill Donaldson as potentially the world's best?



I hate losing as much as most people, and the current run of defeats is bad, but watching our young talent isn't.

^^ Is my take on it too.

Another point to remember is that youngsters develop and mature at different rates. I'm referring here to Koppy, who, although didn't burst on to the scene all guns blazing, is for me developing in to a good player to have around!

I for one did not think Koppy was going to make it. Even this year he's just not looked as good as many would expect him to be by now considering he's got about 70 first team games under his belt. However, the last couple of games he has really stepped it up and particularly the Hull game, he started to look like he was using his size and really making some yards. If he keeps on like that, he could make it after all. I've certainly got a lot more hope for him in the last couple of weeks than I ever have.

The youngsters have been exceptional this year. It's been a pleasure to watch them. Pity about some of the others.

Spot on FA. Watching the youngsters improving is the best bit of being a Bull right now. The more I see of them the more I feel confident of the future.

Things is he's not had anywhere near 70 first teams games when you look at the number of mins he's been on the field. I often wonder what the point is of having on the field for a couple of 15min stints while Lynch and Scruton run themselves into the ground. It doesn't serve anyone.

It's not surprising that given more gametime he's improved, but this has been a side effect of having to do without Lynch and Scruton due to injury. It's not been part of a some masterplan.

It must be hard for front rowers to get into the game when they're constantly on and off the field but a young kid who's only getting short stints is going to take a lot longer to learn and develop.

I'm still not convinced by Koppy despite a couple of good games in the last few weeks. He'd need to play well to the end of the year to earn a new deal IMO.

I am completely convinced by Kopczak. I am completely convinced that he ain't very good.

but our super coach only gives him 10min spells... more game time and I am sure he would improve.
The same does not apply to Worlord - he is just not very good (trying to be polite)

Think we were spoiled with the awesome foursome. The sight of Fielden and Baloo on the touch line must have crushed some of the opposition!

I bet Worrincy's had something like double the amount of mins of the pitch compared to Kopczak.

I do think we need to see him get more game time before making a final decision. That said he does need to pull his finger out and show a bit more oomph in the remaining games. One can be forgiven for thinking Koppy has a touch of the "Chris Feathers" about him.

Deleted for harmony's sake

Give the lad a break 22 years old is young for a prop. He`s shown good improvement with more game time.

FWIW I agreed I with you.

Agreed

Shame he's 23 then