Looked like handbags from where we were in the South. More of a slap than a punch, though Elima did come away holding his eye, perhaps? I'll reserve judgement till I see it on TV, but didn't look like a sending off offence ot me.

Punched Elima? think it was Elima, Both messing about a bit and he was flailing his elbows about so Micky gave him a dig. Only one punch but was still a stupid thing to do. Not sure what sort of ban to expect in all honesty.

As for Murphy, I was impressed. And I think after tonight I'd like to see him keep his place and have sam moved into the Halves, for now atleast.

Elima made it look worse not hitting back.
Grow a pair. Your a RL player. Hit him back. Tart.

Still, the RFL want this sort of thing outlawing...

How did that make it look worse? If you don't hit back you don't get penalised/sent, seems like a smart move to me.

Jack Murphy did well I thought.

I understand. But in the heat of the moment you don't think clever. You usually knock one back.
He made Maccy look cheap (which it was) as he was the only one to throw.

Sports gone bloody soft

Smurph MOM for me. After tonight I'm not that bothered if Sam left tomorrow...well you know what I mean

I thought he did well but I'll reserve my judgement until he's tested. I think he only had to diffuse 2 bombs. His try was excellent and his tackle on Sammut was good. I wouldn't feel comfortable playing the semi with him at fullback. Not yet anyway.

He looked good enough for us to move Sam to the halves until Tommy gets back.

Great full debut IMO. Unfortunately might get compared to Sam but still looks a very good SL fullback. Even though we lost, defo not a one-man team as some unlearnered folk might suggest after tonight. Forwards didn't do the business. Would like to see him behind a full strength pack.

After his try, we were singing: "are you watching, Sam Tomkins..."

One small criticism. When Pryce scored his first try, he was allowed to walk/run towards the posts making the kick much easier, that wopuldn't have happened if Sam was at fullback (Wane wil be fuming)

That apart Murphy had a very good game.

Had a good debut but I doubt we'll see him again in a first team shirt!

Are you serious?

He did. I would go as far as saying it means 6 is definitely the problem position because tonight shows Lockers isn't the solution. By this I mean Sam didn't play but his stand-in was absolutely fine whereas with Tommy out Lockers at 6 looked anything but fine.

He did fine, keep him at FB for the next game, move Sam into the halves and get Lockers back to 13. We desperately need some creativity in the middle of the pitch.

Looked very good this kid. Did well early on under some pressure from us and his try was superb (although disappointing defence from us)

WHAT?
For what reason?

I was responding to Father Ted who said "Had a good debut but I doubt we'll see him again in a first team shirt!"
Couldn't work that one out TBH

He did fine.

Coped under some pressure and that try was pure class.

He just lacked a little threat when roaming behind and joining the attacking line. Then again, we're used to Tomkins and the half back link between Finch and Lockers is a little slow.

Thats because the creatiove paly between finch and lockers was too slow and lacked the cohasion that tommy and finch bring

Didn't I just say that?

The creatiove paly and the cohasion are both clearly lacking.

I quoted the wrong poster.
I agreed with you!!

Jack's performance yesterday was exactly what you get from him in the U20s - solid and dependable with few errors. Jack will never set the game on fire given he does not possess lightening pace, although he did score a cracking try last night. For me, he was one of our better performers, although that didn't take much! I would have no hesitation in playing him again if Sam is not fit.

Regarding other players, who you may see coming through shortly, watch out for Williams, Hampshire, Burgess and Burke.