Does anybody think that if Ronaldo got clettered like Monaghan did then he would carry on i think not. I know Monaghan went off after the second hit but the first one was far worse and he carried on. Doesn't that just show that rugby league is the best sport in the world.

The second shot was shoulder to shoulder wasn't it and i'm not to convinced about the first shot either, no suspensions will be made i don't think.

probably not but there was definate intent to elbow/upper arm him in the face after the ball was dropped, if it were on a kicker it would have been a yellow card for a late challenge.

second one was weird, it knocked him down but didn't appear to have much contact, at wfirst i thought it was a head to head as the dragons player went down but on one of the other angles you can see the defender has his arm up so whether he caught him in the face i don't know, it's not clear.

With Catsmith here - looked to lead with the elbow/forearm in each case. Don't know if it was a directive at halftime by Walters for them to give Monas some attention, but it looked as if Elima was doing a job with those hits.

If you pause it you see Elima's elbow hit him in the head.

I think if he did the player would be sent off as it certainly wouldn't be football. Monaghan would have to try catch him first i suppose ...

Well as i was at the match i didn't see very well from my seat and the highlights weren't that clear either, the first was worse than the second looking at the video but for me in the game and at first glance the high shot on Matt King in the first half was a possible yellow card offense and the offender should be dealt a one match ban.

Totally agree there mate. Thought Smith got the tactics spot on with the switch of Grix to stand off

I can't wait to see Monas in action for us again after a double crack to his head.
He ought to be out of this world the next time he plays, going on recent form after seeing him in action following previous cracks to his head

Never nice to see one of our guy's get that kind of treatment, and fair play to him for staying on after the first one, but I thought we looked better when he was off.

His attacking kicking is poor, and I thought Clarkey and Grix handeled the kicking duties better. However, also have to point out that he is probably the best defensive half abck we've had for years (but that isn't what you want as your half back's primary attribute).

I'd like to see Grix given a run loose forward next year as a 3rd creative player - doubt we have the resources in the backs this year to see him able to move into the pack.

I think we do if they are all fit.

Mathers
Riley, Hicks and Carney
King and Bridge
Briers and Monaghan

I have no doubt I will be pilloried for my impending comment, but will give it anyway; the way Simon Grix plays really does remind me of Paul Sculthorpe. Takes the ball to the line, big hand-off, then looks to promote the ball afther going through the line.

Every time Clarke handles the kicking duties he always does an excellent job.

As one of the fully paid up members of the south stand clarke bashing society i have always said his kicking game is very, very good. He also backs up well and gives a good long ball. I just don't think he has the initial 5/10 yard burst of pace to play in the dummy half position and that is why he gets a bit of stick. IMO he has always performed better when at loose forward or in the halves.

Hooker performs well in Barcelona

, maybe we should start playing our games in Amsterdam to get the best out of Clarke

I certainly know where you're coming from, he has certain traits. He's obviously not 'like for like' but I certainly get where you're at.

For me, the big plus this season in a season of ups & downs has been the continued fitness of Grix & Bridge. If two blokes deserved a break (bum bum), I felt it was these two, now they are fit, they're both starting to show what they are capable of, and hopefully there's much more to come.

Monaghan was fine at 1am on sunday morning - in the aussie bar on la rambla with the others enjoying a well earned drink.

I think keeping Monaghan at half back weakens us as an attacking force too much, I would rather go with Bridge or Grix there, and the other one at centre - the other centre option is Johnson (when fit).

Good on him. After that performance they deserve it!