Steve Slater

The drop goal was devalued somewhere around the turn of the decade in the late 70's or early 80's because the game was becoming plagued with them. Two drop goals were equal to a fantastic unconverted try scored out wide. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but my memory seems to recall Tony Dean being one of the biggest exponents of the game whilst playing for either Hunslet or Batley? Graham Beale of Keighley also springs to mind? It was also much harder to execute under the 5 metre rule, so would be an easier option in the modern game, and two easy points could easily become the deciding factor in a close contest.

It could be an easy win for Rovers, but that would do us no good at all! I'd rather see better ball retention and far fewer loose carries. With Heywood Road being a Rugby Union ground it's likely to be cut up a bit and it might teach us that fancy offloads come off better in good, dry, warm conditions. As Jon Sharp always used to say "This game is about building pressure". He got the sack for boring rugby, but it's the best option when things are tight, as they could be again later in the season, and definitely in the play-offs.

Maybe "strongest line up" was an inappropriate term to use as the squad is still moulding itself. Not everyone was fit or available for the opening two games, which in a way was convenient as it turned out. Moors still has to come into the equation, and in the longer term, Kheirallah. Players going out on loan might be inevitable later down the line, but I hope they won't be tossed aside like one or two were last year.

Is it the cup the week after? If so we could be playing a side from League 1 or below? Perfect time to rest a load and play those who've not had much game time.

It would be best to try and give as many of them as possible a run out before we play Bradford the week after, as I suspect the strongest line up will be picked for that game?

It's more than likely they will recall him for their play-offs, and for that reason I hope that Wire finish mid-table, outside the play-off positions.

Will there be any seating available? My knee won't take standing for half a game, never mind the full 80!

By the law of averages we are more than likely to pick up at least one, maybe more, season ending injuries? Once the final piece of the jigsaw is in place it would be best to keep some cash in reserve. That squad should be good enough for a higher play-off place, but strengthening may be needed for the final run-in?

Thanks for all your effort and commitment Colin, even through ill health and family sickness. Unfortunately I have similar issues, although at 70 years I am still a relative junior. But I am unable to take up the mantle again. Is there anyone out there willing and able to take over from Colin?

What's even more promising is the fact that Toulouse were unable to hold on to their player of the season!

I also remember that game. A major factor was the loss of Andy Bostock in the warm up, which put a massive hole in the game plan. This time Sean will have the opportunity to recruit some of his own choices, It looks like we need a half-back or two and I couldn't think of a better judge. I'm pretty sure he will also be good at attracting quality players for other positions.

Luke plays his part within the squad, not being one of the highest paid, but that's ok, he never lets the team down. The club always seems to strengthen further as the season progresses, so he doesn't play as often when the play-offs come around.

Fev will definitely change things around from that home defeat to the Bulldogs. They will have a much stronger pack out this time, especially with Kopczak and Springer coming in and currently firing on all cylinders.

They have now lost the element of surprise, however. That defeat earlier in the season will have done Fev more good than an easy victory.

That was at a time when we were virtually all part-time. Now most of the likely 17 don't have outside jobs. Extra fitness training isn't required, but a few extra sessions aimed at small positional groups to iron out flaws wouldn't go amiss.

If we can maintain the same quality of squad it would again be highly likely that we would again make the top two? In view of this would it at least be possible to get everyone in on full-time training for the last few weeks by paying the wages of the part-timers? I'd also like to see that happen this week and next (if we get through to the final?). If it turns out to be Leigh V Fev in the final we need to put in a lot more practice for defending those kicks.

This type of game is ideal preparation for Rovers' play-off hopes, and next week at Halifax promises to be another tough encounter, just like the Barrow game. The only downside is injuries/suspensions with Briscoe being a slight concern from last night. But it's like trekking uphill with a heavy backpack on, while Leigh are coasting downhill every week, and they'll need their full-time training to compensate for this.

It makes common sense to play Gaz Gale instead of Briscoe, who we can't afford to pick up an injury.

Yes, you're right PH, but you don't change things when you're massive favourites, but if you're the underdog it might be worth taking a risk? Not that I would do it, just thinking out of the box!

Hopefully Bussey will be back this week or next, so Hardcastle or Hellewell will have to give way? Could they be tried in the centres to stiffen up the defence? Regarding Ford or Jacks, one of them will have to play on the right if Smith is rested or moved to bench hooker. In fact I'd give him big minutes there and maybe even rest Jones altogether? Looking back ten years, we seemed to very effective with Jonny Hepworth or Kyle Briggs at 13 as an extra pivot. I know its unlikely, but could we spring a surprise by playing Jacks at 13 if we reach the final? His defence is good enough but would having a big middle light tire the others out too much? The reason I think its unlikely is that back then we still had the strongest pack even with a man light, but did we use this tactic against Cas (can't remember)?

Martin Brown from Sharlston Tel. 07786 691511.

Don't rush any of them back until the Sheffield or Halifax games. Until then it can be like the X Factor auditions for those fighting to keep their place when the injured stars return. It shouldn't be a problem motivating them.

That's the trouble with most players dropping down from Super League - They have their strengths and they have their weaknesses.

The player I fear most is back rower Adam Lawton, former Salford player. He played the week before last when they beat Batley but didn't feature in the Summer Bash. I wonder if he's injured? Wouldn't mind him at Fev for next season!

Koppy and Bussey returning would be massive for Rovers, meanwhie their absence will give Eseh and Springer more time to bed themselves in. We have to at least match their pack if we were to stand any chance in a GF, but the ball retention is the biggest drawback and must be addressed. Three good tries in the minute windows of possession in their twenty compares well to their performance during the endless times they were camped on our line. If this was reversed how would they have done, even with their superstars? Big Mac said we can beat them, and he mentioned an 80% set completion rate. I reckon the only way to do this would be to utilise the fact that those that don't have jobs are coming in for extra training? How much would it cost to get the part-timers in for two months (maximum) of full-time training? Their employers would have to be on side, but Martin is good at that sort of thing. As the season closes the players are generall fit enough so more time could be put into ironing out all the flaws. Maybe its something the Squad Bulder could help with? I for one would be willing to increase my contributions till the end of the season if many more came on board.