It's time to reflect on another cup semi-final exit for Warrington, who crashed out with a terrible performance against Castleford, with my six talking points...
1) Can only manage a semi... again
For the second season running, Wire's Challenge Cup run comes to an end in the semi-finals. This was an abject performance not worthy of such a big stage, with some players going missing and some making terrible contributions, particularly in defence. It was similar to the Huddersfield game from a few weeks ago - you can't just start playing in the second half because you're leaving yourself so much to do.
2) Coaching
This game exhibited the disparity in the quality of coaches. While this result can't especially be put on Price, as it was individual errors that cost the team more than anything, so many of the players with poor performances were signed by Price. Daryl Powell, on the other hand, nullified Wire's threats of Daryl Clark by slowing down the ruck speed, and keeping the left edge quiet, and exploited the weaknesses - attacking the side of Hughes/Mamo/Charnley every time.
3) Usual suspects
Wire are so reliant on a few players at the minute. Everything creatively goes through Widdop, who managed to set up two tries, but if it's not him, it's King, Ratchford or Currie. Some variety in attacking play wouldn't go amiss as Wire are far too easy to shut down in attack.
4) The big-game bottle
It's another big game where Wire have turned in a poor performance under Steve Price. Again, this result isn't necessarily all down to the coach, as he cannot control individual errors, but the abysmal structure of the right edge defence is down to him, and a large proportion of the players who were particularly disappointing - Charnley, Akauola, Mamo, Austin - were all signed by Price.
5) Trouble in paradise
A video emerged on social media after the game of Mike Cooper brushing past Price in the first half at the end of his first stint. Cast your minds back a few months to the Challenge Cup tie at Swinton and we saw Toby King and Price having what looked like a deeply awkward conversation. With Ben Currie responding rather aggressively to fans' criticism after the game yesterday too, it looks like things are really unsettled in camp at the minute.
6) Usual suspects... again
It's the same old players who are not doing enough. Jake Mamo - a firecracker in attack but horrendous defensively. Josh Charnley - doesn't seem focused on the job, making mistake after mistake at the back. Jack Hughes - not stepped up to the mantle of being captain, not giving enough defensively. Joe Philbin - gone backwards this season, bringing nothing from the bench. Sitaleki Akauola - not doing long enough stints. Blake Austin - not doing enough in the big games.
Player Ratings
Stefan Ratchford - 6/10
Tried to make things happen and one of few who gave everything. Poor goal-kicking.
Tom Lineham - 5/10
Didn't do much wrong but equally didn't have an impact on the game.
Toby King - 6/10
Scored a good try and was the team's outlet, as ever.
Jake Mamo - 4/10
A nice try but some truly woeful defending and a deserved sin-bin - liability.
Josh Charnley - 2/10
Another horrific performance against Castleford. Was all over the place defensively.
Blake Austin - 4/10
A few neat passes to set up attacking play but limited impact and atrocious defending.
Gareth Widdop - 6/10
Worked hard, created the first two tries and defended well.
Chris Hill - 5/10
Made some metres but Wire were well beaten in the pack.
Daryl Clark - 4/10
His worst game for some time, couldn't get into it.
Mike Cooper - 6/10
Slogged his guts out as always, but to no avail. Clearly frustrated.
Ben Currie - 4/10
Ran a good line for his try but some very questionable defensive plays, and threw one into touch too.
Jack Hughes - 2/10
A very poor showing from the captain, a turnstile in defence.
Matt Davis - 4/10
Poor defending for the first try and didn't do much from there on.
Joe Philbin - 4/10
Made mistakes and had no impact from the bench.
Robbie Mulhern - 4/10
Very little impact.
Sitaleki Akauola - 4/10
A few decent carries but as ever, wasn't on for long.
Danny Walker - 5/10
Sped things up a bit.
@ALooseWire
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