DOGFATHER

TBH it is a pretty poor rule. It's another that is open to interpretation. A bit like the ball stealing rule, was it reefed, a loose carry, or did the ball carrier just drop it? I'm also not a fan of the one at the PTB, where if the man playing the ball is pushed over whilst bending over to play the ball, it is invariably given as a hand over, instead of interference by the marker. I think the refs could be much better than they are, but with these 3 rules, they haven't got a chance. Whoever is punished, has a very good case for it being construed as a bad call.

I must admit, I thought it was Hodson, but there were quite a few bodies around it, and it was at the far side to me. Quite how they didn't score was bona fide miracle! He looked to be over the line when he lost the ball.

Manning Hodson Probably Gilmore, not great by his standards but his kicks resulted in 2 tries.

The ref was a little bizarre at times, but find me one that isn't? He was very inconsistent with taking both sides back 10m, some tackles he'd take players back 6 or 7m, other times 16 or 17m without rhyme nor reason. I don't think your number 8 managed to pass a ball backwards all afternoon, but didn't get any of them called as such. Then he called some that were very marginal from both sides as forward, but I guess he calls them as he sees them. Oscar Thomas was the best player on the field from either side today in my opinion. On that display, that first win won't be far off. The performance from Workington was probably the most disciplined I've seen from anyone we've played this season. Very few penalties, or mistakes with ball in hand. We've battered quite a few teams down the middle this season, but we didn't today and our HB's didn't get the chance to create anything much. Really enjoyed my visit, game wasn't the best but the hospitality was at least. It has been a long time since my last visit, (Brad Hepi played for you that day). Best of luck for the rest of the season, hope you stay up! So the next visit won't be as long as the last.

This is a tough division, and one of the most competitive in years. Any team going into a game below par are very likely to get beaten. A bad bounce of the ball, a poor call by the ref or a handling error at the wrong time can all play a big part in success and failure. If the players go into it thinking all they have to do is turn up, it will a long afternoon.

I hope you are right, it's a long trip home when we've lost. I wonder how long it takes to break the habit of going into games thinking we are unlikely to win? I must admit though, I'm really looking forward to making the journey. It's been a long time since my last trip up to Workington.

I was just thinking the same, and they are a different proposition at home.

Very difficult this week. Both centres were excellent, Gilmore was at the heart of most of our attacking play, but I'll go for: Campbell Ward White

1. Gilmore 2. Manning 3. Ward

This cover of Stevie Wonder's Superstition by SRV is up there for me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37-yFGJngPs