Re: RD 6 | St Helens v Leeds Rhinos : Sat Mar 17, 2018 3:33 pm  

I have to admit that I though Ablett was probably the worst player on the night whilst watching it live, but it'd be churlish to be too critical of any of the players.
I have to say though, that I was surprised Parcel got MotM, I thought he was pretty poor first half, but outstanding in the 2nd.
Overall, I thought Watkins and Singleton were Leeds' best, and Delaney continued his good start to the season, it's his best start to a season for years.
I also don't understand Saint's whinging about Child. Wilkin especially could barely contain himself in his post match interview.

Re: RD 6 | St Helens v Leeds Rhinos : Sat Mar 17, 2018 3:56 pm  

Delaney has taken a fair bit of stick for his injury record and some have wanted him gone for a few years now but he along with the other 'golden oldies' in JJB and Ablett (who have faced similar criticism) are really doing a great job for us at the moment with so much size missing in the forwards. 15 carries for 120m from Delaney is a great effort. I know Ablett had some obvious poor moments but his experience and work rate will have been invaluable on the pitch last night.

Also think people have been way too eager to be critical of Moon at HB. Saw people online lining up the criticism of him in the first half only for him to come up with match changing moments. He's never going to be a typical HB and will have certain things missing from his game but the things he has and how we like to play is working there and let's not forget so far this year he's had a back problem and missed a few games.

Re: RD 6 | St Helens v Leeds Rhinos : Sat Mar 17, 2018 4:02 pm  

I don't believe Golding is as strong defensively as people make out. Last week he was poorly positioned for two grubbers resulting in Hull scoring from one. He also dropped two kicks. I also believe we concede far more repeat sets through Golding tapping it out or getting stuck in goal than we do Walker: there were, however, one or two incidents last night where Walker possibly could have done better with. For me Walker has better positioning, is safer under the kicks and is far more threatening in attack. I accept tackle wise that Golding might just edge it, however, not by a lot. I still haven't seen Golding do anything of note in attack since breaking into the first team.

This is me having a go in regards to Golding. I'd be happy to have him as full back were Walker not here, however, I'd pick Walker everytime when a choice between the two. Leeds have been very lucky to keep Walker.

Re: RD 6 | St Helens v Leeds Rhinos : Sat Mar 17, 2018 5:16 pm  

Thought cam smith showed up really well. Theres never been any doubt over his ability, but for the 19's and at bradford last season, a lot of people have questioned his effort. Was good to see him really put himself about with some decent hitups and solid defence, including a try saver. Hope he can keep it up and earn more playing time.

Re: RD 6 | St Helens v Leeds Rhinos : Sat Mar 17, 2018 5:54 pm  

Charlie Sheen wrote:

I also don't understand Saint's whinging about Child. Wilkin especially could barely contain himself in his post match interview.

Wilkin having a whinge? Never......

Re: RD 6 | St Helens v Leeds Rhinos : Sat Mar 17, 2018 7:17 pm  

Charlie Sheen wrote:

Nobody back next week, and Watkins and Golding also likely to miss the game according to McDermott.

Looks like Castleford will have this weekend off at this rate (meant to play Wigan at home tomorrow). The Wakey v Widnes game has just been cancelled around 30 mins in.

Re: RD 6 | St Helens v Leeds Rhinos : Sat Mar 17, 2018 7:37 pm  

What a gutsy performance and one we had no right to win tbf
Great to see Wilkin whinging about the refs decisions yet again

Re: RD 6 | St Helens v Leeds Rhinos : Sat Mar 17, 2018 8:33 pm  

Delaney has had some rough luck with injuries and it must have been soul destroying for him and now he's grabbing it while its there

Re: RD 6 | St Helens v Leeds Rhinos : Sat Mar 17, 2018 9:52 pm  

I didn't think saints played too bad, they just came up against a team better than the 5 they've beat so far this season.
The ref seemed ok as far as that goes, they made mistakes but they were made to, Leeds made mistakes but were good enough to cover them.
I dunno what all this bitching about the ref and the Sts players being off form is all about, as a neutral I didn't see it.
I watched them pummel Leeds with meters for 50 minutes, I saw Leeds stay in the game by their finger nails against the tide till Sts shot their bolt, and then sneak a couple of lottery tries.
They'll probably get back on the horse next week and start blowing smoke up their own 4r53s but the Friday after we'll be back to bitchin about refs and poor playing form.
weak...

Re: RD 6 | St Helens v Leeds Rhinos : Sat Mar 17, 2018 11:33 pm  

PrinterThe wrote:

Will be interesting to see how Saints perform. Has been said on the VT and some other boards that they've mostly had a comfortable fixture list so far. Salford, Hudds and Catalans are all teams fighting to avoid bottom 4. Warrington look quite average after the uncertainty of how much they'd improve in the preseason. Cas on paper should've been a tough test and whilst Saints played well Cas were shocking and not at the races at all and would've probably lost to any team that night on that showing.

Printer asked the questions and he was right. Wilkin and Holbrook grudgingly conceding the better team won on the night.......but suggesting if Saints performed anything like they win the game. Think we heard the same in Grand Finals 2007, 2008,2009, and 2011. We seemed to hear the same from Cas personnel and pundits in general after last season’s Grand Final. We outscored Saints 5 tries to 3 on their own midden, with a full pack unavailable through injury. The 6 missing were 4 Grand Finalists from last season and our 2 new signings. Dear oh dear, when are other clubs going to realise that the best teams are mentally and physically strong when the need to be. Jon Wilkin appears more bitter and foolish as the years progress. His tight pants and coffee shop have not helped him to see the bigger picture or allowed him to get a firm grip on reality.