He was poor, for both teams, admittedly. How he can ignore French's stud first tackle to try to prevent Clifford's try, was baffling , when he pulled up innocuous tackles, against both teams and the ruck was atrociously slow, with both teams seemingly given free reign to ignore the 6 again rule.
I wouldn't be too worried, we had Hoy, Swift, Savelio, Vulkijipiani all missing, who would have improved us, and had the luxury of a long rest, whereas you had a plethora of talent missing, players back from international duty, and still could and should have beaten us, given the second half territorial advantage you held. The weather definitely levelled things up and we will take a win against Wigan, any year but particularly this one.

He was poor, for both teams, admittedly. How he can ignore French's stud first tackle to try to prevent Clifford's try, was baffling , when he pulled up innocuous tackles, against both teams and the ruck was atrociously slow, with both teams seemingly given free reign to ignore the 6 again rule.
I wouldn't be too worried, we had Hoy, Swift, Savelio, Vulkijipiani all missing, who would have improved us, and had the luxury of a long rest, whereas you had a plethora of talent missing, players back from international duty, and still could and should have beaten us, given the second half territorial advantage you held. The weather definitely levelled things up and we will take a win against Wigan, any year but particularly this one.

Bad day at the office but not unexpected. Put Hampshire in the halves next week, Shorrocks back into our weakened pack will also help somewhat. Hopefully Cust is back soon plus Isa due back from his ban as well.

Funny thing is, whilst undeserved we very nearly won that game last night, Thornley and Shorrocks fought for the same ball in the dying seconds, had Thornley taken it he was under the posts no doubt about it. But it wasn't to be, take it on the chin and we get back into it against Leeds.

Yes Thornley/Shorrocks colliding at the end followed by O'Neill throwing the final chance away was annoying to say the least.

This was one of those ‘with the benefit of hindsight’ games.

Despite the injuries, fatigue after the short turnaround post the international and the Hull weather getting its timing spot on for them we could and possibly should have won the game.

We lacked a bit of fluidity and a cutting edge that another half would have given us. It wouldn’t be unfair to say that was affected by the weather too. We looked a lot better when Powell moved to half.

I think we missed Cooper and Singleton, in those conditions experienced props are essential, Byrne and Havard are good players but still young for props and years away from their prime. I wish Mago would work out how to run onto the ball, he consistently plods it in.

It’s easy to say Hampshire should have been on the bench, especially if Peet didn’t have the confidence in Nesemba in a tight game.

ATEOTD a slow, ill disciplined start and a spirited Hill performance cost us.

I didn’t have an issue with the ref, he made mistakes but a couple of those went in our favour.

Well said both props only play very few minutes Hampshire should have been on the bench instead of one off those props.

19 carries for 214 metres for Thornley on his return.

Good cover if he keeps fit.

Brad has got to improve his passing game.

The big concern is the likely suspension for Bevan French.

Our play around the ruck has been poor for a decade regardless of any success. We all know we need pace injected but the club doesn’t value it in the position.

I think it should’ve been addressed previously but I’d probably back them to show patience in the position now. Things to work on for Brad O’Neill but he’s come on leaps and bounds this season and Forber looks a real prospect. Those 2 young guys are a threat out of dummy half and I don’t think we can block their path.

Didn't he just get a slap on the wrist for doing that too?

Who is our cover at full-back if Field and French are unavailable? Marshall? Eckersley?

Possibly Hampshire.

Yes, of course, you're right. Forgot about him.

French not even cited so no issue. Hopefully we'll see a French-Hampshire-Smith lineup.

He lucky. I don’t think he connected with the player or the ball but still a stupid move

Had a feeling it would be a one game ban but not going to complain.

That’s a relief

Did Isa use one of the reserve games to serve his 2 match ban, or will he be missing v Leeds?

The reserves game and Hull count as his two games.

Good news, cheers Brian.

Yes but bonkers. But then the original ban was even more bonkers.

Isa and Hampshire for Nsemba and Shorrocks. Isa at 13 and Smithies at 8.

I keep thinking about what happens to Shorrocks when we have a stand off available and it feels like he deserves a spot somewhere in the 17 but I’m not sure where you’d fit him in. I’d go Isa and Farrell second row and KPP on the bench, O’Neill deserves a bench spot and you’d want a couple of props on there as well. The only way I could think of was Smithies to start at prop and Shorrocks to go in at loose forward. One thing is for sure, his time at 6 should now be over until the next times there’s an emergency.

Utility is his biggest asset and that's what will hold him back I think. He's not a player who thrives in one position and is capable of playing others. He's someone who can 'do a job' in several positions but doesn't really stand out in any. His performance against St Helens was a little overhyped really - some great defensive efforts and the coach smartly gave him a very limited and pre-defined role with the ball.

I recall a thread on the other forum after the Saints game, asking where he should play long term and some thought second row and some loose forward. I just said he’ll always be a utility and that is absolutely fine. I’d keep him at the club if we can, on a contract of a decent length but with no expectation that he nails down a position. He is a decent player in many positions but I don’t ever see him excelling in just one. If that is enough from his pov, I’m not sure but he’ll always have a sniff of a first 17 spot with his versatility.