Just said earlier Alan that Jamie Durbin has an injured hand and was only meant to do 10 mins. He told me that leaving the field.

The reason Durbin is so effective is because the defence has been tired causing the gaps to open in the defence. Jock has shown over previous seasons that he can set a platform for us to work off and that is what we need in the opening 10/15 minutes.

I know - that's why I said it looked as though he had an injury.

Sorry again
But the last two seasons can't be quoted as an example of anyone playing well.
I agree Jock is a useful asset and utilised correctly could prove to be invaluable.
However I for one and many others around me today are excited by what Durbin brings onto the field and the way he organises those around him. He single handedly in 3 games has made me more passionate about watching the team than anyone in the last 3 seasons.
Saying that I do also appreciate the work and ability of Higson, Ridyard, Donlan and the other young Leigh lads who have pride in wearing the shirt.
Also thought Haggerty had a great game today. In fact on reflection I really enjoyed the whole experience today and hope this is a sign of good times ahead !!!!!!
Just not sure about Watson and will always be a critic of him unless he starts standing out I'm afraid !!!!!!

Pray tell me where it was today then. Sorry you get a defence both physically and mentally tired by putting them on the back foot and getting them jumpy. Any coach or player will tell you its more difficult defending all the time. Durbin plays the ball faster. Thinks faster. Puts the ball round the field better. Not saying Jock is no good. Infact he had a good game today. In my opinion Jamie Durbin is better at it and it shows.

Variety is the spice of life, and I think it's better for Durbin to be fresh against tiring legs. Durbs is certainly one of the few players in our side with genuine pace, and that scares the opposition, but I think he's still got a lot to learn if he's to continue playing at hooker; I certainly don't think Durbin quite has the guile yet to score the type of try that Jock did.

Still, I'm sure there must be a way of catering for Ridyard, Watson, Durbin, McConnell and Aaron Smith in the same side

Sorry Matt but did Durbin not score a good try from acting half back?

Durbin as much as he has offers in attack is a spot player without doubt in defence. The correct way to utilise both players was implemented today.

If you run at jock,then there is only one outcome AND that said before Jock scored the winning try, who was it who broke haven's line a couple of minites previously only to see the chance bombed?

Well here,s my 4penneth.

Watson was the key. First half all I can recall of McConnell is his flighted pass into touch although he was ok after Durbin went off.

Thought Hobson stuck 2 fingers up at his critics and I,m warming to him especially after last week at Swinton.

Thought our handling and tackling could have been a lot better.

For me Haven looked a lot more dangerous with the ball.

Am I chuffed? Course I am.Its a long time since I,ve cheered a Leigh try as loud as I did when Watson put McConnell in late on.

Durbin always looks like he could do something explosive as does Stanton.

Early doors but we need to stay injury free. Glad we weren,t playin away today.

Lets hope then that our players have the good sense not to come on here and read such confidence building comments as as above then eh?

BTW,

*Where did we finish in our pool ??
* What is the average age of our team??

Hobson has a job to do in our team, and boy did he carry out today !!

The go forward he gave us in those final 10 mins were invauable

Agreed. Hobson, apart from a bit of red mist that clouded his view for a split second had a good game today and got through a lot of graft.

Agree Hobson is playing well at present and does add the experience we need in the pack. However C Hills performance today was again outstanding. Another 70 minutes from a 16.5 stone prop forward, 30+ tackles and great go forward. This lad is our top performer so far this year and definetly back to his best. Thought Rydyard looked out of his depth today and thought a watson/ durbin combination would have worked better. Thought our young pack stood up well today against a very big, aggresive, experienced whitehaven pack. We still look shakey on the flanks and need to bring Donlan into the game more. Overall a strong team performance but we need more spark on attack. Looking forward to the start of the league fixtures and a very interesting season.

obviously not in nk eyes,mort was not injured, just dropped ???

Thought we played alright today we needed a win and we got it but we defo need more creativity as some of you have already said and in defence we seemed to have 3 played tacking the Haven players around the top half of the body so they were gaining a few extra yard instead of 2 on the body and one around the legs.....

My first competative match of the year and I wasn't too disappointed. It looks like NK is carrying on the tradition of using the Mickey Mouse cup as a trail ground in its early stage, we'll see where it goes next?

Chris Hill stood out for me today, as did Reay. I wouldn't say that I'd have liked to call the better side today - they deservedly got pinged for lying on repeatedly, but were never being pulled for being consistently offside.
We were to weak in the tackle, but did well through most of the game in putting a wall up to force them wide, but we were then allowing them to get back inside?

The one disappointment for me today was the handling, especially from our tackling machine. That and almost going flat on my face trying to get under the barrier. I was a bit drunk last night and thats my excuse....

I agree.

Durbin is a quality 'impact' player coming off the bench running at the tired legs and that's what happened today on a few occasions. His distribution isn't as good as Jocks IMO, yes he threw a fey wayward ones today but it was his first game back. His main weakness is without doubt his defensive capabilities, it was shown against Swinton and again today.

Jock to start, Durbin to impact.

We'll see. I would bet (if I was a betting man) that we win more games comfortably and in style with Jamie Durbin starting. I'm not knocking Jock but we looked like last years team at the start today.

Overall a bit disapointed today

We lacked creativity in the middle , we were lucky to get the win

TV BOY
Your last post is exactly what I was thinking today. Durbin seems to take a whole load of responsibility away from Watson which in turn allows the backs a better starting point.

Seems your reliant on a Widnes lad, young Jamie has always had talent and is a far better player than Watson who should be on the bench.

He also seems to be the one there for the offloads and his short passes are not hospital ones. I love jock and was near him after the game by the pitch side. He looked well built and on a big high, and so he should. He played well today but I really think Durbin is our better option to start.

Durbin for me is the find of the season and could easily be the best player in this league

Tell you what, the way he plays and runs, he reminds me of a cross between Kenny Green and Phil Johnson.