15 Aug: SL: Leeds Rhinos v St Helens KO 7.45pm (TV)

[John Drake]

Discuss Leeds Rhinos v St Helens here.

[Oliver Clothesoff]

Honestly, as a Saints fan, who cares? This is a mere distraction in the pursuit of silverware next week. 

I don’t necessarily agree with the nineteen selected and expected one akin to the side we sent to London in July, if I’m honest. 

 

[Sir Kevin Sinfield]

Leeds by 10

[Moove]

As a Saints fan, I care. Hopefully the players care too, half-assing your way through a game of RL is a good way to get injured

As for the squad selection, it's one I agree with. We've had a few injuries and some who have been rested recently so it's important those players (Knowles etc) get some game time and freshen up on the combinations. Given how often the squad has been rotated this season I don't think the team is knackered enough to warrant everyone being rested. We'll probably see more left out for the Cas game the week after

[paul hicks]

as a Leeds supporter I hope saints put out there strongest available team . yes it may make it more difficult for Leeds but we can at last see if the improvement is for real.

the old one of about the performance not the result 

[Rhinoferg]

The RFL used to fine clubs for playing under strength sides

[Tommygilf]

Personally I've always been a fan of playing to win and keep up form and momentum in these sort of games. That said if I had any players carrying niggles or knocks I'd rest them. Give them effectively a 2 week break between games to go on holiday (warm weather can do miracles to injuries and recovery). This is what I think Saints have done and that's absolutely fair enough.

I do reckon Leeds could sneak this though.

[paul hicks]

39 minutes ago, Rhinoferg said:

The RFL used to fine clubs for playing under strength sides

if a team is picked from within the first team squad can it actually be said to be understrength . that would imply that those players should not be in the squad at all

[Saint Toppy]

1 hour ago, Rhinoferg said:

The RFL used to fine clubs for playing under strength sides

They replaced that requirement with the teams needing to name their 19 man match day squad 48 Hrs in advance.

Now clubs only get fined of they add players not in the original 19 without certified medical certificates for the players being replaced.

[fieldofclothofgold]

This is a benchmark it will give an indication as to wether Leeds are on the upgrade . I will put the kibosh on it for Leeds and tip them by 6 

[Rhinoferg]

1 hour ago, paul hicks said:

if a team is picked from within the first team squad can it actually be said to be understrength . that would imply that those players should not be in the squad at all

This was of course a long time ago, probably changed the rules after Wigan got done for playing a second string side at Odsal.

[redjonn]

3 hours ago, Moove said:

As a Saints fan, I care. Hopefully the players care too, half-assing your way through a game of RL is a good way to get injured

As for the squad selection, it's one I agree with. We've had a few injuries and some who have been rested recently so it's important those players (Knowles etc) get some game time and freshen up on the combinations. Given how often the squad has been rotated this season I don't think the team is knackered enough to warrant everyone being rested. We'll probably see more left out for the Cas game the week after

I agree...

also it reminds me of the coach complaining about people want to see the best, when complaining about Sky change of TV game.  It says a lot about who cares about the paying public... not seeing the best teams playing and making the sport attractive to media.

Never-the-less given the league positions he can do as he wishes given no need to win any ordinary league games.

[Chronicler of Chiswick]

Saints by 10.

[MADREDNIGE]

20 minutes ago, Saint 1 said:

Saints have Coote, Makinson, Walmsley, Roby, Knowles, LMS and Paulo missing from our top 17 today. Are we putting the comp into disrepute again?

No its a squad, every team as them, up to the coach who he chooses to play. 

[Man of Kent]

Great to see Leeds offloading with impunity. May not be percentage rugby but it is entertaining.

[Futtocks]

2 minutes ago, Man of Kent said:

Great to see Leeds offloading with impunity. May not be percentage rugby but it is entertaining.

The match is a bit messy, but neither side is playing conservative Rugby.

[dkw]

What a step by grace. Enjoying this game, just shows how good it can be when the teams keep a clean tackle with no messing around. Well refereed too. 

[Man of Kent]

Grace with the opener in a hot potato, harum scarum sort of game.

6-0 Saints after 21

[Futtocks]

1 minute ago, dkw said:

What a step by grace. Enjoying this game, just shows how good it can be when the teams keep a clean tackle with no messing around. Well refereed too. 

Percival's pass to Grace is worth a mention, too.

[dkw]

Ah, a lovely Phil Clarke betterthananyotherteamism... 

[dkw]

Just now, Futtocks said:

Percival's pass to Grace is worth a mention, too.

Yeah, took some doing considering his body position. 

[Man of Kent]

Much prefer this commentator to Bland Arthur. Seems to enjoy the game

[dkw]

Nice play by myler, poor defence though. 

[Man of Kent]

Good finish by Mr Helen Skelton

6-6 after 29

[meast]

4 minutes ago, Man of Kent said:

Much prefer this commentator to Bland Arthur. Seems to enjoy the game

He needs to learn the mantra, less is more, he sounds like he's reading the t&C's at the end of a TV or radio advert.