Can't complain about any lack of effort yesterday. We just aren't clinical enough and fail to take our chances. Will be interesting to see the highlights but there are a few things that stick in my mind.
Firstly how inconsistent Ethan Ryan has been since a) he was switched to full back, and b) the rumours of him signing at HKR came out. For me he's playing ok for a Championship player and is nowhere near SL standard. If I were HKR i'd be worried about his lack of form and ability to cut out silly mistakes and loose carries.
Secondly, team selection was again appalling. I was lucky enough to be invited to see the captains run on Saturday and we got to see first hand the starting 17 put through their paces. I couldn't quite believe why we went with only two recognised props, especially when Bustin and Magrin were fit enough to play an active part in the full session. Yes they have both made mistakes but when they are carrying the weight of the team going forward in reduced numbers, its going to cause fatigue and missed tackles.
Third, I said in an earlier thread how poor I thought Steve Crossley was. I was slated at the time but I see a few are actually also coming forward now and saying the same thing. He's slow, lacks mobility and loses the collision pretty much every carry. Yes he might be a leader but when the leaders are failing to lead by example, what does that say to the rest of the team? But yet again, Kear gushes about how good he was. Sorry John, but you're losing the plot mate.
And there goes the issue... Kear's stubbornness and failure to adapt to the challenges faced. I've said before and I'll say it again. I'm not suggesting we make a change to the coaching team but someone has to stand up and say that for the level of investment in the squad (the 4th highest in the Championship supposedly) we have underachieved, both last year (highest spenders and had to scrap in via the playoffs) and this year.
If we don't make Top 5, at the very least I would hope that a discussion goes on behind the scenes about the playing style as I'm not sure I could cope with another year of five drives and a kick without my head exploding!!!