Re: Widnes (H) Challenge Cup : Mon Feb 26, 2024 8:07 am  

Bully_Boxer wrote:

Before that we also have the return of Dec Patton in Swinton colours who you would expect to have an absolute stormer against us - that'll be fun.

He is absolutely nailed on to have a blinder against us. I watched their game against Oldham last night and they were very good. Another big challenge for the Bulls. If we lose against Swinton next week that opening game against Wakefield looks ominous.

[Bullseye]

Re: Widnes (H) Challenge Cup : Mon Feb 26, 2024 9:44 am  

The Swinton match is an opportunity to stop the rot. We know enough about Patton to be able to nullify him but that relies on the whole team turning up and putting an 80min performance in - a bit like those in the latter part of last season.

Hopefully the game yesterday is the last we see of the complacency and lethargy that's been creeping in over the past 3-4 weeks. EOC needs to nip this in the bud now. I'm sure Noble and Greenwood will be able to advise. The frustrating thing is that this half assed approach must have been noticed even if it hasn't been acknowledged publicly.

If I see us ending sets with the same ineffective kicking game over and over again vs Swinton I'll be making my voice heard at the fans forum.

Re: Widnes (H) Challenge Cup : Mon Feb 26, 2024 10:03 am  

I don't think it's fitness. We've dominated field position in every game so far, that's including being without Blackmore, Scurr, Baldwinson and Doro for a large part of yesterday. But we need to be better.

Credit to widnes I thought they played well, as disappointing as we were.

This has to be a game we learn from and address the issues before Wakey. We have a hard start so can't afford to be realising, Hallas discipline is poor, Flanagan not good enough to be second Hooker, Jowitts not a half etc

Re: Widnes (H) Challenge Cup : Mon Feb 26, 2024 10:22 am  

If we can get Corey Johnson he would be good cover at half back and on the bench to interchange with Souter at hooker.

Re: Widnes (H) Challenge Cup : Mon Feb 26, 2024 10:50 am  

Has Aiden McGowan every played halfback?

Re: Widnes (H) Challenge Cup : Mon Feb 26, 2024 11:01 am  

Just watching the post-match reaction from EOC and the running theme was 'execution' and the lack of support. He has also stated that Doro has a 'significant' ankle injury .

[Bullseye]

Re: Widnes (H) Challenge Cup : Mon Feb 26, 2024 12:13 pm  

We'll see what effect EOC's words have on the players at the Swinton match. We need a massive increase in intensity.

Not only is Doro out but it didn't sound hopeful that Gaskell will be back either. Not sure how far off Scurr is but we could do with him back. It'd be good to get Johnson on loan if at all possible since Flanagan doing 60mins with possibly Barraclough doing 20mins isn't going to help us win the ruck. Also looks as if we'll be down to 3 bona fide props in Smith, Lawrence and Okoro.

Not sure how long Peposhi is out for but we could use an injection of enthusiasm.

At halfback if Gaskell is out then it's Jowitt and Lilley again. As far as I know McGowan has only played fullback and wing. Did we let Moss go?

Shame we didn't give Myles Lawford more games last season - he may have been more likely to stay if he'd been given more chances to start - we could've done with him now - hey ho.

Re: Widnes (H) Challenge Cup : Mon Feb 26, 2024 1:47 pm  

We're going to see a hooking partnership of Hallas/Flanagan aren't we :(

Re: Widnes (H) Challenge Cup : Mon Feb 26, 2024 2:04 pm  

We won’t get Johnson if it cup ties him, just not sure if he can be cup tied in the CC by playing in the 1895

Re: Widnes (H) Challenge Cup : Mon Feb 26, 2024 2:04 pm  

or maybe we lost on purpose .... 1895, 1066 cup is more of a priority.. i know no player wants to give the towel (yes we've had a bug) ...but are we just planning the long run (lets hope)