We don't seem to be able to cope defensively, against a side that spreads the ball wide - something that Rochdale did/were allowed to do with great skill and desire. Many of our players seem to struggle in the heat (Hansen and a couple more excepted) and are really struggling. The debate about Hutchison is an interesting one. He had a good, creative spell, in the middle of the season, but once again seems to be struggling. Often Reynolds has, to an extent, compensated for that, but he too struggled yesterday. All we can do now is win the two remaining games and hope! With London, Featherstone and Toulouse all leading comfortably at half time (and 'nilling' their opponents) our points difference is going to look worse by the end of today.

Still, there's plenty of rugby to go yet, so fingers crossed!

No, best hope is London besting Fax 20-18 followed by in form Toulouse avoiding defeat next week and Fev beating London next week-job done!!!

Toulouse 31
Fev 30
Fax 29
Lon 29
Leigh 28

Fev gained 34 on points difference.

Toulouse to beat Fax, Fev to beat London. Leigh to win.

If that happens next week,Toulouse will be second on 33, Featherstone third on 32, Leigh will move up to fourth on 30, Halifax will sit fifth on 29.

We could all be breathing a little easier heading into the final week then.

Or, failing that, Fev to lose to London & Toronto, and Toulouse to beat 'Fax? (oh, and us to beat Swinton & Sheffield, by a couple of points!

)

I have been advised Alan, that I must keep my brain as active as possible and I have told my Doctor and my family, not to worry.

The Leigh Centurions top 4 conundrum is proving the perfect medicine in that respect.

Hopefully Toulouse will go for it next week as they need 2nd place for 4 home games.

We'll lose to london by a couple and beat toronto by a dozen...

Ya know how it is

Still sixth!

No chance for me Harold - I struggle with sudoku!

My brain ‘urts

Does anyone really think that Halifax will lose a must win game at home?

In the great scheme of things, it could well be a must win game for Toulouse too, if they want to secure 2 nd spot and 4 home games. Featherstone can still catch them yet, if they win their last 2 games and Toulouse loose to Halifax.

It's certainly interesting these last 2 weeks - anything can happen yet

Ido. Have you seen the form they are in -70 points or the over scored at Rochdale and Barrow and relaxed knowing they are in top 4 but needing 2nd place for obvious reasons. As opposed to Fax who have to win to guarantee top 4. A draw would also be good for us and Toulouse.

Spot on 'H'

You've voiced my take on the game entirely!
Watching Dale Scrumhalf Yates completely overshadow our two halfbacks was frustrating. I don't know if our Coaches or Owner felt the same way however, Yates,is presumably is a part time player? He just adds to the list of halfbacks who have outplayed our two this season.
At times throughout the game I thought our players seemed blasé in their attitude to retaining possession, it was as though they were thinking; " it doesn't matter we'll win easy anyhow"


I'll never be convinced with Ben Reynolds as he lacks vision, watching him repeatedly 'lobbing' kicks down the line and defenders are stood there waiting to catch the ball baffles me


Hutchison however does have a fine pedigree and its his lack of pace that lets him down ! Id love to see him with a class stand off outside him, did he partner Hall at Swinton

We did very well that day and Bodene Thompson in particular looked tremendous running outside our halfbacks that day!
The players you suggested we may have retained, didn't Drinkwater inform the Club early on of his intention to return to Oz regardless of where we finished?
I share same the same opinion on Richards as you, you know who my favourite Prop is, but we'll not mention on here


Nice one Harold

To be fair he is quite a talented young scrum half is Danny Yates. I remember watching him captain England schoolboys a few years ago. His stand off partner was Tom Gilmore and the England back 3 that day was Ben Currie, Stevie Ward and John Bateman. Star of the show was Yates. For whatever reason, it has not really worked out for him.

INOUT
I actually think is very possible.
Toulouse still have a good reason to win it to cement top two which will be big for them in the 8s.
Halifax are playing for even but as we well know, pressure does strange things to a team, especially at home.
If I had to pick a winner it would be fax but I wouldn't like to put money on it.

We had extra pressure on us sat the team was promised a extra day off if won by 60 sometimes that can work the other way throwing the ball about to much to score every set

Perhaps that day off will now be spent with the tackle bags?

Needs it would of had them in Monday as well

Maybe offer a day off if they nil a team instead.

Morgan Smith who was Rochdale MoM is also a hot prospect at his parent Club Warrington Wolves !

FWIW & IMHO, I believe it can be done *Q8's* but I have a sickly feeling that it won't be, live in hope though !

Yes, it's hope rather than expectation. Unfortunately, the London - Toulouse / Fax - Fev / London - Fax results have all gone against us. The London and Toulouse draw has taken things out of our hands completely.

I'll give credit where's its due. Toronto in the SB followed by Leeds in the CC. With Fax at home after that. Next up 5 aways with Toulouse and Toronto both included. I think they have done very well considering the start to the season.

Certainly wouldn't deprive them of an extra day off,given the two fixtures coming up. They deserve it,in my eyes.