Sat in 4th with the only team we haven't played being Toulouse. Given we finished last season losing 9 from 10 that's more than satisfactory IMO, particularly as our scrum half has played, what, 4 games, our stand off 5 or something?

Been some really nice surprises so far. Lovodua as a project looks great, hope we keep him. Similarly Vulikijapani has slotted in seamlessly at SL level. Scott was getting some consistency before his injury.

Satae and Sao both a handful. Still think we've got improvement to come from Evans too, and Carlos has shown exactly what we've missed early doors.

Jury's out on Gale for me. 7 games banned in the first 11 rounds (Inc one cup game) and not really making an impact in the ones he's played - hopefully this can be remedied when he gets back

Frustrating that we lost to Castleford and only to Wigan at the death, otherwise we could be looking at an even better league table.

2 really poor losses go Castleford and Rovers and a 50/50 game against Wigan, we could have been right up there at the top. But all things considered I think we're doing okay. We've had some real inconsistency in team selection with a lot of bans and injuries. Hopefully we can get a good run together with a settled side.

Played some good stuff at times and a lot of the bad has come from putting ourselves under far too much pressure through errors and discipline. But full credit for the last 2 games where both errors and penalties have been down massively.
Think we have definitely realised since the Rovers game that we need to earn the right to play. We've looked a lot more composed with pass selection.

Still more to come from us I feel, and a win next week to keep the momentum going would be lovely.

The biggest positive for me so far this season is squad depth.
We've never had the same team on the pitch 2 weeks running but we've coped remarkably well.

hey hey Mrs
There’s IP over my barometer - you’ll be hearing from my legal eagles

That case could get tasty - your barrister against the Barista barrister.

at this rate Wizeb will start at 23 game barometer !!

With Swift, Griffin, Scott, Gale and McNamara currently unavailable after injuries to Tuimavave and Reynolds we've not had much consistency in the backs so far. Hopefully that changes.

Pack overall has been really good, Satae and Sao (I'm sure he has played something like 30 consecutive games) have been excellent, supported by Fash and Brown.

Taylor looked fit and strong and think Evans is getting better each game.

Backs work hard, if we can add some creativity and pace at 6/7 and move Lovodua to 9, we have a good side.

That's impressed me as well. We haven't had to play too many people out of position or any Academy players yet. We've had weeks when we've had a few 18 year olds in the squad but I don't think any of them have made the 17 yet.

We look a bit short in the back row right now though. Lane and Ma'u playing 80 minutes each week isn't sustainable. Our barometer might start falling if we don't find a way to spell them.

Right now though we are Fair to Dry. Some disappointing performances and the same upsetting lack of consistency that has plagued us for the last few seasons. But we look like a team that is prepared to dig deep for a win. We don't look we will fold everytime we go behind.

I've just seen Evangelista Torricelli working behind the counter down my local chippie.
He's after Tarquins blood.

I'm happy with our position, two disappointing losses against Castleford and KR and unlucky against Wigan they only game we struggled was Saints but we've made up Hudds, Wire and Catalans wins which could have gone against us.

3 tough home games there which we would probably have lost in recent seasons?

If fit then these players deserve to keep their places. Hope none of those missing walk straight back into the team without good reason?

So now we've played everyone once we're clear in 4th. 4th best points difference, 4th best attack, 3rd best defence. A good position to be in at this point. Nice to have a week off to freshen up (would rather be playing in the semi final obviously, but still), got Gale, Reynolds and Vulikijapani back next time and hopefully getting close for Swift/Griffin.

Yes, a pleasing position to be in given the injuries and suspensions we've had to contend with. Six different half back pairings in thirteen games, crackers.

And don't forget we have clueless coach, according to some of our (wannabe coaches) on this forum

I know absolutely crackers

https://twitter.com/hdmhullfc/status/15 ... m79CA&s=19

https://twitter.com/hdmhullfc/status/15 ... m79CA&s=19

I think its time for Griffin to cover 2nd row and give breathers to Ma'u and Lane, Wynne been excellent and has pace too burn, plus Mitch and Cam can play there too, Carlos the other centre nailed on, Swift and Mac first choice wingers with Shauly back up with Mitch. Biggest problem Brett will have for Saints game is does he go with Grub and Gale or Gale and Lover.

Straight forward choice in my book.

Lovadua must be there somewhere.

Let’s see how Brett plays this?

I'd probably go with Gale and Lovodua.

Not much between them, but more likely Gale be here next season.

Tough one as Reynolds did OK against Catalans apart from the brain fart that got him a suspension.

That said I'd probably go for Lovodua/Gale with Reynolds on the bench.

Would be quite a prospect seeing Connor/Reynolds/Gale all feature and have none of them get injured or pick up a ban.

We haven't really had a settled side at any point, and I don't feel like we have pulled up any trees in any game, so to be sitting 4th is really pleasing when you consider that we have a lot of improvement in us. The next 2 are obviously going to be a big test, but if we could come up with a real statement win by beating Saints away then people might start taking notice.

I'd be quite happy to give Saints a game, im sure the last 3 or 4 against them, they have put 40 points on us.

Reynolds just did okay against Catalan true.

Unfortunately he can’t be trusted to be okay against Saints or not do something stupid.

Lovodua won’t let us down and displays everything we ask for in our players e.g. commitment and desire.

For now Lovodua has to stay at 6, gives us some pace and a running threat, neither Gale or Reynolds have.

It's just up to Hodgson to decide who plays 7.