Well that was enjoyable



Thought Faz had a great game. Look so much better on the left.

I also thought Hardaker played well at FB.

What was most pleasing about the performance was the enthusiasm. Everyone was up for it. OK maybe it's easy to be when you are battering the other team but when players like Bulluck came on he really went for it.

The defence just before the end of the first half when Narette was in the sin bin was also epic. Included and absolute bell ringer of tackle off Tommy. Left their player staggering a bit.
Top.

Expected more from HKR to be honest but if they had injuries so do we with Flower, Greenwood and Clubb hobbling off early (two weeks in a row that has happened to us with a player going off early).

Great to see them play with freedom and confidence.

Williams played easily his best game with the ball as did Hardaker.

We don't have a big pack but they're very durable and hard-working. Bullock responded to his early mistake by getting angry (in a good way!) - some barnstorming runs.

I can't see us winning next week, particularly with the senior forwards that are missing. But we don't actually need to win for me - the most important thing is to be competitive and keep improving our performances. We don't want a heavy defeat to halt the momentum - the Wakefield game the week after is the more important one before the semi-final break.

Lam said that we would play rugby with more flair tonight they did it even without O'Loughlin really enjoyed the game tonight a pleasure to watch after the boring rugby from Wane.

I’d like to start with Farrell. If there’s been a player as underrated in my time watching rugby league then I’ve missed him. He’s a second row version of James Roby yet for whatever reason he’s never quite got the billing. He’s been back since HKR away and we’ve won the lot (he did miss one) and it’s no coincidence.

As for the rest, Hardaker continues to improve, I love seeing Marshall do well, Sarginson looked determined to show he deserves a spot, Williams was flying, Bullock looked fired up to prove a point, Partington and Smithies continue to excel and I think everyone chipped in.

A top night.

Attack obviously great but defence impressed me. Even in the last ten minutes enthusiast kick chases and line speed.

Partington and Smithies where would be without these two this year. Playing great.

I’ve got to tip my hat to Partington. In his first 7 or 8 first team games I just couldn’t see him cracking it as he didn’t look to have the ability to make ground with the ball but he’s gradually added that and his intensity is huge.

Looking forward to watching him bowl in to Saints next week.

I said to my mate tonight that, for me, Faz would be the first name on the team sheet every week.

Great, attacking, free flowing rugby with superb defence when needed. When we went through the 30 point mark, I said to the guys around me, who’s up for 50 points and when was the last time we stuck 50 on anyone? No one could remember. Man of the match could have gone to any number of players. Marshall, Hardaker, Farrell, Williams...

In one word, entertainment. I haven’t felt so good coming off the DW for ages.

^^this

Too many senior players out probably.

As to Bullock, those are the sort of runs Hamlin made on his debut which got the crowd fired up as they did tonight but after the match Wane was dismissive of what he did, rarely to be seen again by any forward under his tenure as coach.

Great win and it’s encouraging that we are getting a few % better every week. We also look really energised and fresh which is a little surprising if anything.

We need to keep up the momentum now. A loss next week wouldn’t be a disaster but if we at least run them close it’ll just sow a seed of doubt. We all know Saints love a collapse come the end of summer.

4th should be an absolute minimum target now but really we need to focus on 3rd. That away game at Hull on 3rd August is already shaping up to be a tasty one.

The big thing for me is that Powell is vastly improved going forward. He is posing a threat by sniping at the line before bringing players on. He looks like a new signing these last few games.

Yes, and aren't we all pleased that they've got rid of that Mickey Mouse system they had last year? Now every position on the ladder is worth fighting for.

I agree that all need next week is a competitive performance, and it looks like we can produce that now. We now have a genuine threat on both flanks, and a solidifying defence, I think we have enough to cause Saints real problems, and I didn't think that a few weeks ago.