FearTheVee

Incredible stats - Walmsley-esque numbers.

It'll happen to us too. We got absolutely battered by Salford last season.

When Aiden Sezer is your on-field captain you are in big trouble. Leeds looked very, very soft. I know Leeds have a lot of players out and Wire are a good squad with lots to prove (it's the worst possible opening game for Leeds IMO) so it's too early to judge, but I don't think they have enough leaders in the team, too many hangers on and for some reason (which I'm happy to acknowledge may be completely unfair) I have zero faith in Rohan Smith despite his good end to the season last year.

You’re investing a lot into this certain champions narrative. What is it you’re looking for people to say? Whichever way you dress it up, it’s not the same as Wigan’s era of dominance to anybody with eyes or a semblance of a grasp on context.

True, particularly given saints weren’t missing any players.

I think you are overstating the gap between Saints and the rest. There are a few teams more than capable of beating Saints in the Cup or Play-offs, Wigan being one of them as they proved last year. Last year I was convinced Salford would beat us in the play-offs and they very nearly did.

Hopefully Kyle Amor doesn't get selected on Saturday then.

Good to hear the Saints lads nto having any of the heat chat: Saints full-back Jack Welsby said: “The heat is what it is. We’ve had a lot of comments saying it is going to be hot. "We’ve been here for two weeks now and it has been hot all of the time. Even when it has been raining its been hot. “When I’ve played a Wembley against Hull and in semi-finals in the middle of August it was hot. It gets hot pitchside at Wembley so its something we’re used to and a challenge we’re looking forward to.” Saints half-back Jonny Lomax said: “You never really know until it comes around and you adapt but it won’t be the first time we’ve played in really hot conditions and I’ve no doubt it won’t be the last. “You’ve just got to try and do the best things through the week to make sure you are in the best position possible. It’s just another new experience, embrace it, don’t moan about it and get after the opportunity that’s there.” Here's hoping having another couple of games in the legs compared to the Panthers will help level the conditions a little.

No question he did a good job last year and I have no basis for my view - but I just think he likes to muck about a bit too much for his own good and could come unstuck. hope I’m wrong as I love a bit of unorthodoxy in sport

I think Leeds will fall back again this season. There’s something about Smith that makes me think things will collapse, I can’t quite put my finger on it though.

Imagine gow Tee Ritson is feeling - could be making his competetive bow at the top level in the WCC against a team regarded as one of the best ever in the NRL.

Good news - more fool them.

It would certainly help! Ahhh, Newlove skinning Wendell Sailor for that Joynt try (and dirty Tallis with the afters on Joynty). That was a brilliant game of RL.

Feels like this is really upon us now we are seeing photos coming out of the Saints training camp and have the St George friendly this weekend. I was concerned at the end of last season about whether we would see players who had been carrying fairly serious knocks in the squad but looks like the likes of Dodd, Lomax, Walmsley and Percy will be good to go which is a relief. I ventured onto the Panthers forum on leagueunlimited and there were the usual smattering of disrespectful comments including: "When Brodie Croft is the best player in the comp there are huge issues" "It's great to see the culture at the club. But I was kinda looking forward to watching our reserve grade side prove they're better than the best Super League teams. "NSW Cup would flog them anyway, No point risking anyone" Amongst some more reasonable comments it has to be said. I think Saints will give a good account of themselves and the SL. One thing that does concern me slightly is weather conditions - what will it be like by KO in Penrith, I imagine still very warm to be stepping up in intensity. Are Saints on for a hiding do we think?

He’ll be on peanuts and may prove a handy squad player if he gets fit. Can’t see the issue really.

Was interested to look at the Giants squad on the basis of this thread so went to the Giants official website. Is there a better website that will actually contain the current squad rather than last year's? https://www.giantsrl.com/locker-room/first-team

Saints EBITDA losses (ignoring the huge depreciation charge which is non-cash) probably amount to about £1.5m in total across two Covid hit years. I'm actually surprised that they are that small given stadium ownership - I believe that to be a very creditable performance indeed in the circumstances. Saints will be back to in and around breakeven going forwards. The lack of context in the article is frankly bizarre.

This is the key point - dynamic pricing is in play in all major sports; we need to not undersell but at the same time not all fixtures and venues are created equal.

They are not CBILS loans, they were made under the CSSP (Coronavirus Sports Support Package); it is a completely different support package. I'm not sure that they were guaranteed by RFU. Capital repayments on some started in Sep'21.

Is there a club with less class in RL? Penrith really are quite an objectionable outfit aren't they.

Tapau has been rubbish anyway

I haven’t said he is. That’s why I referenced MM in his games against Saints - Catalans biggest rivals for success - in recent times. He’s had his usual unhinged momenta where he can’t help himself. I’m sure he’ll be fine but I can well see a situation where the Aussies get to him and he does something stupid.

Maybe. My post is entrely factual though - Wane is on video sayig those things and later that year a player was reckless in looking to knock someone out and cost his side a final. I've been very vocal in my praise of Wane, I've wanted him as England coach for a while. But I've watched MM fail to control himself and losing his focus against Saints time and time again in recent years. I don't want to see him doing the same against Australia. I hope I'm completely wrong, but I don't trust MM.

The closer it gets the less confident I become. Nothing rational, just a lifetime of disappointments from England / GB I guess!

Wasn't that the one where Wane used all of his tactical genius against the young Warriors at half time? “Knock people out. I can't give you any more of a free rein than that". “Create f***ing mayhem. Be reckless." Fast forward that season - Ben Flower explodes at Old Trafford and costs Wane a title. Maybe he's learned some lessons since then - but it's still partly why I worry about him picking MM in high pressure games.