The big test! : Sat Apr 01, 2023 9:03 pm  

We couldn't ask for a tougher 3 games in sequence, so I was wondering what our expectations are? I'd be happy with 2 out of 3 given the expected intensity of each game and I think we may fall just short v Saints as we'll have blown plenty tank-wise if we win the other 2.

I say 'win the other 2', but definitely not a given as Wigan and Catalans deserve plenty of respect, I'm kind of judging things on current form.

I think a lot will depend on the players we have available too and their fitness levels.

Fingers crossed.

Re: The big test! : Sat Apr 01, 2023 9:10 pm  

Lot will depend on how much they take out of each other in the Wigan Saints game. Plus looks like both will be missing a key player, Field for Wigan and Walsmley for Saints. Also that game tends to be brutal so would come as no surprise bans handed out, as for Catalan I just don’t fear them at all. Infact the Catalan game we will only get beat if Catalan allowed to slow us down.

Re: The big test! : Sat Apr 01, 2023 9:34 pm  

karetaker wrote:

Lot will depend on how much they take out of each other in the Wigan Saints game. Plus looks like both will be missing a key player, Field for Wigan and Walsmley for Saints. Also that game tends to be brutal so would come as no surprise bans handed out, as for Catalan I just don’t fear them at all. Infact the Catalan game we will only get beat if Catalan allowed to slow us down.

Yes, good point, this derby will likely have a considerable bearing.

Re: The big test! : Sat Apr 01, 2023 10:41 pm  

It's all about the performance, and learning from what works against the next three opponents and what doesn't. 0-3 would be disappointing, 1-2 would not be the end of the world, 2-1 would boost confidence and 3-0 would be incredible.

I'd be more happier with us doing better in July, when we play Saints (H) Wigan (A) and a potential Challenge Cup Semi in three consecutive weeks. These are the type of runs of fixtures that we have to perform at our next best, if were to be in the mix with the playoffs.

We look to be on our way to making the playoffs, and these matches will be a good yardstick of whether were we've got what it takes to be contenders in 2023.

Re: The big test! : Sun Apr 02, 2023 11:23 am  

Gazwire wrote:

We couldn't ask for a tougher 3 games in sequence, so I was wondering what our expectations are? I'd be happy with 2 out of 3 given the expected intensity of each game and I think we may fall just short v Saints as we'll have blown plenty tank-wise if we win the other 2.

I say 'win the other 2', but definitely not a given as Wigan and Catalans deserve plenty of respect, I'm kind of judging things on current form.

I think a lot will depend on the players we have available too and their fitness levels.

Fingers crossed.

They’re all more afraid of playing us that we are of them.

Re: The big test! : Sun Apr 02, 2023 12:02 pm  

Injuries are the key to this. If we lost a couple of our top boys all things change. If Wigan lost Bevan French as well as Field they would struggle. There are some lads who simply cannot be replaced. When we get ahead, unfortunately, I keep watching our boys for injury problems ... Dudson looked a bit unhappy. Walker a bit of a problem. I never worry if we don't score a hatful in the second half ... just keep out of trouble.

Re: The big test! : Sun Apr 02, 2023 12:41 pm  

The two away games are the two toughest in the league. However, we’ve got to be beating Wigan at home. They flatter to deceive greatly. Take French out the game and they are very average.

Re: The big test! : Sun Apr 02, 2023 12:56 pm  

It's a big task to win all three, but in isolation each of those teams should be as worried about playing us as the other way round.

I have a funny feeling the likes of Johnstone, French and Welsby will have spotted those slightly airy Dufty passes over the top so, if you're reading this Matt - please just rein those in and dummy under the sticks instead.

Re: The big test! : Sun Apr 02, 2023 7:28 pm  

Smiffy27 wrote:

Injuries are the key to this. If we lost a couple of our top boys all things change. If Wigan lost Bevan French as well as Field they would struggle. There are some lads who simply cannot be replaced. When we get ahead, unfortunately, I keep watching our boys for injury problems ... Dudson looked a bit unhappy. Walker a bit of a problem. I never worry if we don't score a hatful in the second half ... just keep out of trouble.

Absolutely. My worry is that Moose and Sam could either or both leave us skinny in the following weeks.

Re: The big test! : Sun Apr 02, 2023 9:46 pm  

Smiffy27 wrote:

Injuries are the key to this. If we lost a couple of our top boys all things change. If Wigan lost Bevan French as well as Field they would struggle. There are some lads who simply cannot be replaced. When we get ahead, unfortunately, I keep watching our boys for injury problems ... Dudson looked a bit unhappy. Walker a bit of a problem. I never worry if we don't score a hatful in the second half ... just keep out of trouble.

Apparently a couple of the players on the bench were unwell, I suspect that Dudson may have been one of them.