Joell Tomkins was the only 2nd row forward who looked like making a break out there last night. For a start Joel made the break and pass that got Wigan back into the game, he also made a similar break minutes earlier that had Carmont caught the ball could have seen us score again.

Watch the game again, Roberts was involved in the tackle on Eastmond for the first try along with Joel Tomkins. Roberts was also the fella who gave Saints an extra set of six from which Long scored from.

I don't want to single Roberts out as I thought other players didn't help, but imo Roberts was at fault in each and every critical moment of the game.

Sam missed the first one Joel the second and Roberts was flat footed. But what I want to know is where was Gleeson when all this was going on down his side?

Excellent post. I couldn't care less where Roberts is from all I care about are the performances on the pitch and tonight he was under par for a player of his ability IMO.

It's almost like you can't comment on certain players bad performances even when they are bad (not including john in this btw)

I would also like to add that I think that was Mark Riddell's worst game for us last night. This season I have been one of the ones to stick up for him hoping that one day he would prove me right and play out of his skin. We have seen brief glimpses but unfortunately a season has passed and I am unconvinced. Last night he was shocking, his distribution was poor and you could tell from the way he was playing that we didn't have a hooker on the bench, as he didn't want to do anything to outrageous so that he tired himself out.

Also I noticed when he was on with Feka that he hardly ever gives Feka the ball straight away from dummy half. 3 sets in a row in the 2nd half, 2 of which were near the Saints line he ignored him. Then when he does give it to Feka its too late the Saints defenders have moved up.

Little things that annoyed me last night that can change a game are not using Feka enough when were close to their line. Also when Eastmond got injured, it was an ideal time to run the ball up to him. Only players that managed to realise this was Mossop and Richards.

Rant over now anyway, bring on a new coach and a new season

Danny Brough?

Eastmonds dad and his best friend have already confirmed that these rumours arent true and Eastmond is due to sign on the dotted line after the grand final.

didn't say who tbh, brother of one of the players told me though.

Why after the GF?

Why not? You see, St Helens arent an unprofessional club. We wouldnt dream of doing something to hamper our preperations. SOmething like, oh I dont know, sacking your coach and having an announcement lined up during the week of the grand final. At this time of the season, your players need to be focused.

Eastmonds negotiations, according to his dad, have always been due to start after the grand final as he still had a year to run. Now I know you are all hoping and praying that he signs for a rugby union team, but its not going to happen. Sorry!

I don't, he's going to be a great player and one that needs to stay in RL.

Eastmond and Tomkins, 6 and 7 for gb! Mouth Watering. Then we could always bring on Myler if we are dominating so he can do the only thing hes good at, support some breaks.

Agree.

On a more positive note I thought Lockers had a very good game, especially when he was forced to play half at times.

joel did make a few mistakes, but he was the only forward who looked capable of breaking their line, made one try and could have had another but for carmont failing to take the pass, it is ok having defensive forwards but in these tight games someone has to be capable of breaking the line.can't remember seeing much of hansen with ball in hand,but if you don't take the ball like joel was prepared to then you seem to escape the flak, sooner have joel anyday over hansen,he is young, talented and can only get better.

I'd agree with that.

When I saw wigans pack I knew that we would win. I think you lot need a few forwards next year and losing hock was big loss as he's a tackle breaker.

IMO coley, hanson, fielden and piggy ain't good enough.

Prescott has looked like he might become a good squad member and if Joel tomkins can cut his mistakes down looks good also.

That's a fair assessment Pete

When did we sack him?

Go and lie down BK, you must be feeling a little light headed to compliment Lockers like that!

Big Big clue about how to win

Tackle the opposition around the legs.

Two things then happen.

1) The player cannot run witout his legs

2) You don't get penalised for headhigh shots


Now I know this is a radical and novel new idea but it may have merit

Flip side being the ball carrier has his arms free to offload in the tackle. This is why many teams use two-man tackles, one around the legs, one around the arms/chest to prevent offloads.

Thats why your a fan the first man in in most situations has to attack the ball, the second man in takes the legs, third man ties it together.