Bring back the Boyd

About 80 percent of the Wire v Saints games since the mid 80’s

After the GB debacle and the dismal end to Wires season, I was feeling a little down with the game in general—- until last night when I watched this programme. Completely uplifting and humbling to see the players battling against adversity to play the most brutal team sport with massive smiles and great humour—- puts your own woes into perspective. I can’t explain why, but I’m feeling enthused once more for the forthcoming season

There’s a lot of understandable frustration being expressed and I think most will agree that Bennett needs to go—— his lack of Super League knowledge coupled with his dull, negative tactics make this a must. From today’s game I would say that Austin, apart from the couple of errors, looked really good and it’s a pity he didn’t have a more central role. The kicking game of both half backs was again very poor. I think the starting front row were second best and in future hope to see Watts, Clarke and Walmsley/ Thompson— even Mike Cooper who has been much better than Hill this season. Both centres were inaffectual—- Hughes is a steady Eddie but not international class but I would probably keep Connor in the mix—- both Gildart and Percival are better centres. There’s not much better than either 2 nd row at present but hopefully Ben Currie will recapture his early promise. I like Tom Burgess as a middle forward but surely Morgan Knowles deserves a crack in the future. I thought Gerry did ok today and we’re not short on good wingers when all are fit. Lomax has impressed in each game and the likes of Ratchford, Widdop and Hardaker could easily challenge for full back. I don’t think it’s all doom and gloom once Bennett gets his cards

I completely agree but it is what it is now. What I don’t understand is why you would have an out and out stand off on the wing, in danger of being peppered by high balls, and leaving Coote — usually excellent under a high ball—/ clicking his heels. I’m also concerned how long Austin will actually last on the pitch having to drive the ball in following his recent injury woes.

Well mate, I’m absolutely ( but not really) convinced next year will be our year. With regards to the robotic way most teams seem to play, it was refreshing to see Saints and Salford, who played attractive rugby, get to the Grand Final. The whole game needs to take a look at the excitement factor and bring entertainment and value for money to the forefront. Referees get slated but they need to crack on with bringing discipline back and stamping out gamesmanship instead of acting all matey and almost apologetically laying down the law—- starting this Saturday with the Kiwis laying on

I really like watching Johnson— he’s exciting to watch and plays what’s before him. The great irony of this is that the current MOS, equally exciting and entertaining, is being told to play like— and I wish no disrespect— to Matty Smith. Unfortunately I’m expecting more of the same from GB and, after a season of watching a Price coached Wire, I need the off season from 5 drives and a kick. Having said that, come on the Lions

Really made up with this result—- makes GB’s effort appear decent and with a different coach and better player choice I reckon we’d give them all a run for their money.

Please get Clarke on before I die of boredom

Sorry, got carried away with the highlights of Mike Gregory

I was hoping the excitement would wake me up but it’s been in very short supply. Take the shackles off Hastings and let him dictate the game instead of Hodgson—- if Bennett actually interchanges him with Clarke we might see more of Hodgson—- come on Greg

I’m still struggling to understand the omission of Watts— his toughness and size has never been in question. What has impressed me this season is his discipline but most of all, his ball handling. I’m delighted as a Wire fan to see Joe Philbin in the squad ,but as a GB fan , I’d rather see Watts there

In answer to the question, drop him—— Like most of the posters, I’ve watched a fair bit of him on Sky. To me, he seems really slow at the PTB and try as I might, I really can’t see why the Aussies rave about him . I thought he was a decent player at HKR but not in the same class as Roby or most definitely Daz Clarke. Bennett seems to think that he is some kind of ball handling genius to the extent that even with an interchange hooker, he’d leave him on as a 13 .

It made my head hurt thinking about the Greatest X111—- but I’ll definitely give my favourite 13 a go 1. Jiffy 2. Des Drummond 3. Phil Blake 4. Kevin Iro 5. Martin Offiah 6. Wally Lewis 7. Andy Gregory 8. Les Boyd 9. Benny Elias 10. Kurt Sorensen 11. Mark Roberts 12. Mike Gregory 13. Ellery Hanley I still love the game—— just loved it a bit more then

Lachlan Coote is a bit Scottish —- I think if it was a full GB tour as in years gone by, the squad would have been bigger and maybe included a few none English ( or Aussie players ). As it is, you have to pick your best. I sort of get the hoohaa about the Aussie players but it’s never bothered them much so it is what it is. Personally, I just love international matches so bring it on

I’d love Salford to win but, as much as it pains me to say it, Saints have been fantastic this year. I would love Wire to play in a similar, entertaining way and I’m sure most neutrals would agree. But to be fair, I wouldn’t have minded if we’d played a style similar to Salford— especially if you’re measuring passion and pride—- so come on Salford. After all, it could be Saints year next year