In Ian Millwards latest column in the league express, he talks about having watched the two SL play of games and pointed out the correlation of hugs and high fives each team have to the team that wins. Can't remember exactly the figures but from the Saints/Giants game he had counted Saints having 59 on pitch hugs and high fives as opposed to Huddersfields 21. Similar figures came from the Leeds/W"£$n game. Surely the conclusion to be reached here is just that the Saints players are more touchy feely with each other than the Giants.

Fred and Dave I look forward to the new column in your stats reports for next season

irritates the hell out of me, so false, so premeditated......as is trotting off the field together at half time.

not sure of the value of those statistics - if you are playing well that causes the high fives - not the other way around!

whats wrong with that?

Well just to wind up the odd clown I hope Saints players set a record for high fiveing on Saturday.



Oh and don't forget Poker night tomorrow in the Centurion Pub.

Fred do you give Dave and Andy an hug before they go out ?



And why don't I get one on Monday mornings ?

It's a team sport and a tough one at that, physically and mentally demanding. You need to know your team mates are there for you throughout the 80 minutes (or beyond as may be the case on Saturday). When a player has scored a try, made a game breaking tackle, forced an error or even made an error themselves there is nothing wrong with team mates showing support.

If the stats are correct, maybe its a reason those two teams are in the Grand Final? They have an unbreakable team spirit and togetherness that will see them through each and every game.

So I don't think it's false, these players train so many times a week together, push their bodies to the limit together so I think its only right and natural that they show the togetherness by celebrating little victories during the game.

it can get out of hand though - like high-fiving when the opposition makes a mistake like kicking out on the full from the kick-off etc....that does annoy me...

Sorry I meant League Weekly





No prize this week for spotting my deliberate mistake I'm afraid

Too busy trying to crowbar the fiver from your mitt Gordon



As for 'stats' nowt do wi me Derek

Not to mention bath / shower together several times a week!

Don't see anything wrong with it personally just shows they are playing for each other

ODD CLOWN

bit harsh Frank, though i must say,be a nice change to see the pies win.

You can clearly see the link. Strat of the season when we were looking good I remember commentating on the team bond in terms of congruatulating try scorers / makers and applauding the big tackles / error forces and try savers... as we slipped away it was clear this was less of the case overall (inc wins)!

Could highlight the way we are going, in 2011. No need to bring in quality - just make sure the players 'high five' and hug, at every opportunity, and we'll walk the NRC and GF!