Far too passive in yardage in the first half, but the defence was good as ever. The Smith out gang so predictable in their reactions first half, it must make embarrassing reading going back through this thread for some.
It's never easy going away to Cas, however bad they might be, they want to run through brick walls to beat Leeds. We weathered that, the weather, and losing two players to HIAs. Cas put out a bigger pack and had Watts back after a medium length ban. Last season I'm not sure.
The spine is gradually looking more connected. A number of improved individual performances from last week as well. McDonnell, Miller and Croft all excellent, with lovely involvement from Lisone.
Lots of work ahead, for sure. But the best start to the SL season for a while - Smith deserves a bit more patience IMO. I don't mind losing to the likes of Saints at this stage (cup aside) if there is genuine improvement. I appreciate it's only Cas (sorry tigertot) but it was still a good game to win. Defence has improved out of sight from last year. The attack will come in time with the spine players we have.
