Serious Thoughts On Last Night's Game : Fri Feb 05, 2016 12:33 pm  

Overall I thought Wire looked very solid (especially in defence)

One thing I noticed was the apparent 'team' ethos that Warrington had going on. I expected players like Sandow and Gidley to be greedy with the ball but they all seemed to bond well together as a unit. Could be a danger to all if they keep that intensity up but as well all know it is a very long season.

Leeds - I thought they were the polar opposite. Whereas Warrington looked like a well drilled and gelled side I thought Leeds were all at sea trying to find a leader (especially when they lost McGuire) they looked completely out of shape. Hardaker seemingly tried to take the job on but they looked all over the place. If it wasn't for the attacking threat of Moon and Hall making so many metres they could have been in big trouble last night.

Re: Serious Thoughts On Last Night's Game : Fri Feb 05, 2016 12:44 pm  

If I was a Wire fan I would be very pleased. Gidley and Sandow look like the best and most complete half back partnership in the League on last nights evidence. I thought both Clark and Dwyer did very well. I'm pleased for Kevin Penny as he looked to be drifting out of the game a while back, but he can be a bit of a liability at times. However they've got Ratchford to come in and I rate him highly.

Their first choice pack is a match for anyone. The season is long and whether they can sustain a good start with the inevitable injuries must be a concern. I'm not sure they have the depth that we have. A quick glance at the fixture list means that last night's win was huge because they have some easy ones coming up. Expect them to be top by Easter. Being top could give them the boost in confidence that they need.

Even if it isn't their year I expect top 4 probably at the Giants expense.

Re: Serious Thoughts On Last Night's Game : Fri Feb 05, 2016 1:19 pm  

When i used to play our coach was always drilling into us during training that defence wins games.
Leeds dominated us last night, i can't hide that fact, a lesser team would have been beaten easily by Leeds but we seem to have not only a great defence but a fantastic spirit and great communication.
It's only one game, we were poor last season and beat Leeds twice so can't look too far into the future but that defence was very encouraging.

Re: Serious Thoughts On Last Night's Game : Fri Feb 05, 2016 1:51 pm  

Aboveusonlypie wrote:

If I was a Wire fan I would be very pleased.

Agreed. Impressive defence (although they'll hope to do a bit less defending than that through the season). Not half bad in attack either.

Sims and Westwood pretty much on their best behaviour; I wonder how long that will last?

For Leeds, I've always been a big admirer of Joel Moon, and he was terrific again last night; such a talented footballer. But as noted, organisation and halves could be a problem for them. Injury woes are hardly unknown to McGuire, and personally I don't think Sutcliffe is all that.

Re: Serious Thoughts On Last Night's Game : Fri Feb 05, 2016 3:33 pm  

Wire looked very good , plenty of experience , good defence , Leeds obviously missing the big two from last year made worse when Danny M got injured , it's a long season , think we have a real tough game tonight and still think we are a bit lightweight , we shall see

Re: Serious Thoughts On Last Night's Game : Fri Feb 05, 2016 4:23 pm  

Tony Smith prematch mentioned the word "desire" on numerous occasion, Warrington certainly showed that in keeping in the game and defending their line well. People forget about Sandow because he was there last year but he will be like a new signing for them after a good preseason. He looked very sharp last night and perfect foil to work along side Gidley but my concern for Warrington is when Ratchford / Atkins return were will Gidley play. I personally think he should stay at 6 but can see a few players being switched.

With regards to Leeds they looked very average towards last year, Peacock is a massive loss in my eyes, Galloway just is no were near as good and was picked up and dominated in the tackle. I can see it being a hard season for Leeds supporters especially if Mcguire injury is as bad as it looked.

Re: Serious Thoughts On Last Night's Game : Fri Feb 05, 2016 4:26 pm  

Wasn't too disappointed from a Leeds POV. Yes, we got beat. Yes, we struggled to create. Yes, we lacked a reliable kicker. But it was still a better performance than a fair few we put in last year. Depends really on whether we've the capacity to improve; I suspect we have.

Re: Serious Thoughts On Last Night's Game : Fri Feb 05, 2016 5:30 pm  

When it comes down to it, if you had to predict one of these teams being at Old Trafford in October it's Leeds every time. Still the team to beat IMO.

Re: Serious Thoughts On Last Night's Game : Fri Feb 05, 2016 7:32 pm  

Orrell Lad wrote:

When it comes down to it, if you had to predict one of these teams being at Old Trafford in October it's Leeds every time. Still the team to beat IMO.

Yes, but that's what you would have said before the KO, so it doesn't really get us far. I don't disagree, mind.

I'd imagine Gidley would stay at 6, with Latchford at full-back and Russell getting the crook.

Re: Serious Thoughts On Last Night's Game : Sun Feb 07, 2016 8:49 pm  

Cherry_Warrior wrote:

Overall I thought Wire looked very solid (especially in defence)

One thing I noticed was the apparent 'team' ethos that Warrington had going on. I expected players like Sandow and Gidley to be greedy with the ball but they all seemed to bond well together as a unit. Could be a danger to all if they keep that intensity up but as well all know it is a very long season.

Leeds - I thought they were the polar opposite. Whereas Warrington looked like a well drilled and gelled side I thought Leeds were all at sea trying to find a leader (especially when they lost McGuire) they looked completely out of shape. Hardaker seemingly tried to take the job on but they looked all over the place. If it wasn't for the attacking threat of Moon and Hall making so many metres they could have been in big trouble last night.

I thought Warrington were tremendous, I also thought Currie was unlucky not to get MOTM, thought he looked a threat all night.

I didn't think Leeds were that bad though, they lost Maguire early doors and made some poor decisions but I think thought their new signings looked promising and will get better as the season goes on.