bloodbath's findings:

Good first half from Leeds. Played some lovely stuff through the hands on a much narrowed and in context well conditioned Headingley pitch.

The forwards took the ball up well and Leeds were quick to get the ball out wide to both sides, with lots of runners, decoy runners and options.

players that stood out:

Burgess - excellent first stint, very strong carrying the ball forward. Showed the aggression levels he needs to, a real handful.

Delaney - looks at least half a stone lighter and more effective for it. Looked quicker and did provide for the ever solid Smith.

Watkins - class, real quality footwork, pace and final ball. Ooozes that potential. I hope he gets a run in the side. If Leeds want to play a brand of rugby, he has the tools for that job. Bulked up slightly up top.

Sinfield - very focused and again another player who looked a lot sharper with his plays. Distributed very well.

Webb - his returns and time on the ball were very defined. A strong edge to his play.

Cross - strong first stint. Got hold of the ball as soon as he was on the pitch. Rang strongly and put a couple of big hits in.

Ali - played for 70 minutes. So those questioning his fitness may want to take that into account. He seemed to play with a point to prove. Wakie couldn't handle him, numerous offloads and big metres whether out wide on coming down the middle.

Kirke - carved up the middle, which was nice to see. harshly sin-binned for the late challenge. I thought he was more than committed on his man.

McShane - can't fault his effort, but I still feel that he plays to impress more than he plays the percentages. His heart is in the right place.

Overall you can't read too much into it, but if the options with the runners etc continue and the positive approach to playing continues (getting quick PTB's and playing to get the ball out wide), alongside big impact from Cross and Biff to assist JP and Bailes the season could be quite profitable for the dark horses.


(As for Wakie, you were blown away in the first half and offered very little in that half. But you kept on battling and got the scoreboard looking respectable. Bigger games and battles are yet to come. Thanks for coming, hope you all enjoyed.)

Thanks Bloodbath that's just what we wanted here on the Wakey board, a detailed review of the Rhinos players

It's because he's a clown

Thought we lacked any grunt up front or a bit of class required class for breaking up a well organised defence. Out wide we looked fragile in defence. Thought Penny did far too much running backwards when he was being run at. Thought Davey went well and our licking game was good it looked our only chance of scoring. We did look fit.

Cheers blood.

A bit weird, but if works, it works

Yup, juggling with your Dad's balls.

Nice to see 2011 has the same stale air round these parts.

At least I know who my dad is.

You know who got the blame.

so you like playing with mens balls?

Hyde isnt a full back. He should be at either 6 or 7 because he looked really good there today, and I am looking forward to seeing him more this year.

It`s your brother I bet.

We were still missing Senior, McGuire, Hall, Kylie, Buderus, Bailey, Peacock and Harauki.
Thought you did well in the second half and stuck to your task considering you were out of it in the first.
Only pre season and plenty of time for improvement.

As i agree these are important players to Leeds, Wakefield were without Morrison, Obst, Millard, and Rinaldi who were all stand out players last season, along with the experience of Jeremy Smith. But as you said, only Pre-season and plenty of time for improvements (hopefully more props

)

Was going to say we (Leeds) were without 8 1st teamers today but we showed some positive signs. You guys kept plugging away though and kept the score respectable.

agree about Vievers though, unless he is the new goalkicker. Atm I can take or leave Kear but one things for sure if you can recognise that we are short on props you can bet your life Kear does as well, there is still 2 month to the start of the season and take him or leave him you can bet he will be trying to address it, Hopefully.

Sooner your life than mine Chiss!!!

Kears track record for realising the bleeding obvious doesnt bode well.
How long did it take him to work out his best half backs/hookers when we had Drew and Brough?
Why did he go into so many games last season with a bench that left most wandering - what the hell is that all about?

Kear lost the plot along time ago and should have stayed in France when the team left back in June.

Oh,Happy New Year Mate.

Pleased to see us signing young British players

But anybody with eyes can see that we are desperate for 2 decent props and 2 half backs my fear is we will get none other than a couple of loans it’s not looking too bright enjoy the season it’s our last one for my money

Sadly that's very hard to disagree with.

JK must have been reading this forum www.therhinos.co.uk/news/15657.php

JK must have been reading this forum www.therhinos.co.uk/news/15657.php

Another moan I know but it would have been nice to see the full match report and interview up on our site as with the Rhinos. Instead we have www.wakefieldwildcats.co.uk/2011 ... -wildcats/

Another moan I know but it would have been nice to see the full match report and interview up on our site as with the Rhinos. Instead we have www.wakefieldwildcats.co.uk/2011 ... -wildcats/

I agree with The Trip. I thought it was disgusting that all we can offer is a couple of lines instead of a match report.

Not really cost effective. Leeds had all their 'admin' staff working and they could also 'piggy back' the costs on the RU game. Are you expecting WT to spend money on match report/interview facilities for an away friendly? The professional sports media organisations, how did they report the game? Not seen a report for the Express, YEP,Y Post or other sites. Much more financially efficient to see JK's interview on the Leeds site.
I'd much rather see the money where it would have the most benefit, but if you feel that this is on the reporting of an away friendly.

And probably still will be come June!

No doubt it will be the subject of many a thread as the season progresses.

Spot on