My biggest concern based on yesterday is our defence when the ball goes into broken play on tackle 4&5. We just seemed to be chasing shadows one player at a time (and missing the tackle) rather than setting a defence line and challenging the opposition. Luckily Wakefield head head-rushes when a fractured line infront of them but a performing Saints will simply pick the gap and go through it.

I felt I should have had a half price ticket because I only saw half a game. The first half was very competitive and Wakey gave it a good shot - which we didn't cope with particularly well. Unfortunately we will be on the receiving end of that performance next week against saints as they try to blow us away in the first 20 minutes. The second half and the reffing performance ?, I think the less said the better.

If the rumours are to be believed I am surprised we are putting so much effort into recruiting another centre when we can all see that we need another 6' 3'' 110 Kg ugly troll capable of 40 min on the pitch, battering into the oppositions forwards, rather than leaving all the work to Josh Charnley. We have nowhere near enough physicality in our pack and relying on short bursts from BMM and Sita aint going to win us the big games.

Exactly this. We need an engine. Warmsley Watts or Taylor style.
Hill is looking a tired prop...and no wonder.
Honeymoon period is over now for SP with me following Saints away and Salford.

Stop betting on it then?

FWIW I thought we were dreadful last night, that embarrassing stunt with the aeroplane will come back to haunt us next week, we’re a joke. We blew at least three tries yet SP hails our attack as ‘much improved’. I honestly don’t think it’s possible to coast along until the big games, sport doesn’t work that way. We blow hot and cold far too much. Consistency is key. I thought Austin was average and aside from his try didn’t impress much. As per usual, Clark ran his legs off and didn’t get MOM. I guess the sponsors choose it? Anyway the second half was DULL. A switched on side would’ve mullered wakey once big Dave and Pauli Pauli started blowing out their backsides.

Over halfway now and I’m not convinced at all.

Over halfway... it's nearer 2/3s

Dreadful, dreadful game. I was happy when the hooter sounded, as the second half felt like it had gone on for three or four hours.

At least we didn't concede any points for the final 79 minutes.

I think we were lucky the Wakey forwards ran out of steam to at least allow us back into the game. The Wakey try ,they just blew us away, good job they couldn't do it for the rest of the game.

Totally agree Wakefield dominated us for the first minute. They then couldn't score a point for the next 79

Good to see Warrington hiring a plane to let everyone know they are waiting for their first Super league title

It didn't say that. It was dated.

To be honest, I'm not yet convinced with SP:

-attack clunky and showing no real development or improvement
-average defensive line which only makes two or three steps forwardand stops
- too many games where we don't seem to be that bothered.

I hate to be pessimistic, but saints are miles in front of us, and there's no way we're beating Hull if they put their minds to it. Both sides are showing so much more threat in attack. Also, saints have shown us and everyone else that enthusiastic line speed cuts out so much attacking threat, yet we're still plodding 2/3 steps forward and stopping.

Having a great attack does not win you grand finals,........ask Shaun wane!

Saints have the best attack and defence in Super League.

Well you should win the grand final then...

I think they got the date wrong it should have been year 1955.

Indeed we should, we are far better than last year and there are no serial winners in our way this time. Only team who can stop us is ourselves.

Hull at the moment are miles better than us, and so are saints
They destroyed us last time we played and we haven't really gotten much better. I can still see Saints doing the treble this year. If we get on over them on Friday then carry on that form then maybe my mind might be swayed but saints are miles more consistant than we are and Hull.are on a surge. The skill level, speed and power they showed today against Catalans was immense. If they play like that against us we'll get smashed. I hope to god i'm proven wrong but we're 100% missing a big hitting long minutes Prop and a quality half at the minute to take us that extra step. I agree that Hill is definately past his prime and has less impact now a days. Need a really good prop bringin in next year.

Us and catalans stopped you last year. Which one of those are serial winners??

After watching the Saints game 2nd half i saw weakness in their game. Not sure we are good enough to exploit it though as our attack is pretty rubbish when Austin is nullified. Hull on the other hand would and i think they are the team that could stop Saints winning the treble.

Serial winners; Catalans and Wire?

The best defence is attack...and saints are top draw there, no doubt.

If you are restricted of possession, your defence becomes all you have.
I'm pretty sure Saints pure defence isn't that great...
We'll see on Friday...and we'll see you Saturday...or not!

Saints are bang average in semis!

Aren’t Hull interesting one week total rubbish, the next week world beaters and repeat. As for Saints they are the team to beat, just like last season. Let them carry the “favourites “ tag, no pressure on us as nothing is expected of us.

They've lost 16 out of the last 17 finals and semi-finals they played in.

That really is deserving of the title of bottlers.