It might well be, but I think it would make sense to treat it as a dry run for the semi and play our rusty defensive game. That might appear a bit boring but if we get through methinks we will need to complete 90% of our sets and leave no defensive gaps to get to the final.

I agree, it doesn't have to be defensive but priority one should be working them over in the middle of the field (where we should have a clear advantage) and winning the energy battle. If we get into a game of short kick offs and chip-overs we are very much in their territory and could come unstuck.

Its a shame but i think the scale of our injuries will just be to big for us to front up. Quinlan, Ryan, Hall, Minikin, Mincella, Lawler, Hadley, Maher, Vete and Parcell would all have started had they been fit, a team with a squad like yours would struggle with that number out, we just dont have the depth to cope, hence the result at Leeds. Smith will have to go full blown plan B off the cuff to stand a chance and the downside of that is we could easily see a big score posted against us. I hope not but if we get out of this losing by less than 20 I'd be relatively happy.

Chicanery is fine CH, expect skulduggery should we get to the semi final.

It would be great to see a reminder from HKR of how the Wire used to play under Smith.

It would be better for us to stomp them into the ground over 80 minutes

Probably the likely outcome, we can't really complain, we chose to go with a skinny squad.

What i like is that this thread is full of both sets of fans discussing the game in a respectful knowledgeable manner, which is refreshing and should be applauded!

If we get through I’m hoping their arrogance is their downfall (again). Interesting that last week Dodd was the saviour but this week he is useless…

That is a really bad injury list, I think Abdull is a big part of your good form this season, I think he's been really good everytime I've seen him play this season.

You will ask a lot of questions of us, I expect us to win but I think you'll play really gutsy rugby and won't be afraid to throw everything you've got at it. An upset is definitely on the cards with some of the displays you have put in this year.

I hope all your fans at the ground and at home enjoy the game and occasion its been too long between drinks for Hull KR for sure and hopefully this can be the start of something for you. I'd love to see Tony win the challenge cup with you, not at our expense mind you. Same goes for this Friday, I hope we enjoy it a bit more than you come full time.

I think most clubs have had skinny squads and no club can really afford to lose half a dozen first team players. HKR have done very very well this year.
I am thinking that Wire really ought to be too strong ... but I have been wrong before and thought we would get stuffed at Cas.

Game based on running from dummy half?

Hull KR more dummy half runs per game than any other club in Super League.

Dropping their best player for the grand final and then losing?

Come off it, he stayed too long but we played some of the most exciting rugby I have seen for a couple of seasons under TS.

This.

We used to do well off dummy half running under Smith ,creating gaps & breaking open defences to be exploited by our backs.

We also used to do very bad when we couldn't get a quick ptb

Also, the matty Russell to hooker phenomena

Just on Sir Tony Smith….the last 12/18 months were dire as his team had broken up and he was exhausted with it all and needed a break and a change. The previous 5/6 years from him were absolutely amazing though IMHO. Free flowing rugby, multiple league leader’s shields, multiple challenger cups, multiple Grand Finals. Easily the best era of my 35 years as a season ticket holder. I will the man a hearty round of applause on Friday and shake his hand if possible lol. Regardless of the result he’s a wire legend for me.

I think the six-again rule means defenders are slightly happier to risk lying on a bit longer so there are fewer quick play the balls to be had.

In general I think that's a good thing by the way, puts more of the onus on the attack to break the line with a pass or a sidestep rather than leaving a marker on his backside.

Well one coach is a serial winner who’s had success at almost every club he’s been at and improved players immensely. The other is an absolute bluffer who year after year has bottled it in the play offs against mid table teams despite having the best squad in the league at his disposal.

Just about a pass grade for putting in a shift, failed miserably with the other requisites.
Good luck to Rovers and TS for the rest of the play offs, deserved winners.

One last time, I promise, and for the especial benefit of our own FMC, I predicted the rise of HKR one year ago. Ragtag rabble of journeymen was the loud and unforgiving response.

No real consolation, well perhaps a little.

I think the pressure on Warrington was probably your downfall last night, BIG favorites against a team with 9 players out that really had nothing to lose, to keep you scoreless after that first 15 minutes was big for us and seemed to set the tone for the game.
I think TS is just one of those special people that seems to be able to bring out the best in those around him, I think every club would agree with that.
I also think Warrington are really lucky that you have owners that continually back you financially every season, so I've no doubt you'll bounce back next season and be up challenging again.

Let's hope so. Powell can't be worse than Price surely. However currently at least on paper our squad is worse next season than this and the new signings are all injured already!

Maybe this is part of the problem for us as a club - rich backers makes us feel like all we have to do is sign the best players available and we automatically win......instead of having to pull together as a team and work hard to win things?

Oh yeah I think that definitely adds to the pressure, having the finance's you do automatically makes you a contender, so there's pressure instantly, Powells got a big job on his hands next season trying to get disgruntled fans back onside, but I wouldn't be surprised if it takes him a season to instill his systems and beliefs on your team.
On the plus side for you guys it doesn't look like either Wigan or FC are ready to challenge you for your top 3 spot