Wire suffered a setback in their league season this weekend with a narrow defeat to Wakefield Trinity, despite a second-half comeback.
Here are my six talking points...
1) Too little, too late
Despite a spirited second-half showing, Wire had simply left themselves too much to do after a terrible first 60 minutes which saw errors, penalties and no attacking structure.
2) Repeat of Huddersfield
I was very frustrated to see Toby King in the second row today after what happened the last time he played there, against Huddersfield in May. The team was disjointed and disorganised as a result.
3) No support props
As soon as I saw that bench today I knew we were in trouble. Exciting options in Blake Austin and Matty Ashton, but the lack of support for Chris Hill and Mike Cooper meant it was always going to be an uphill struggle.
4) Why one up?
It baffles me that despite having such a wealth of exciting creative, attacking options, Wire insist on playing one-up rugby so much. The last 20 minutes showed what a dangerous team we are when we move the ball around.
5) Wakefield record
Wakefield away is becoming a bit of a bogey fixture for Wire. Another loss here to add to the defeat in 2020, with a similarly poor performance.
6) Motivation
There is a question as to whether players have much motivation left for these games. They know that they'll definitely be in the playoffs, and the RFL have created a points system that leads to players going through the motions.
Player Ratings
Stefan Ratchford - 5/10
Got very lucky with one goal-kick but tried to make things happen.
Tom Lineham - 4/10
Had one try disallowed and there was a moment where he allowed a Wakefield attacker to bypass him.
Connor Wrench - 4/10
Can't say I noticed him.
Jake Mamo - 6/10
Made things happen in the second half and finished off a try.
Josh Charnley - 5/10
Got a nice try but didn't make many metres.
George Williams - 5/10
Turned up in the second half after a poor start.
Gareth Widdop - 5/10
Forced a knock-on with one high kick but nothing else.
Chris Hill - 6/10
At least one penalty but great effort.
Danny Walker - 6/10
Was very quiet until a superb bit of play to aid Mamo's try.
Mike Cooper - 7/10
Massive efffort. Did nearly the full 80.
Ben Currie - 6/10
Ran hard in the second half. One error late on.
Toby King - 6/10
Looked to make things happen and set up Mamo's try.
Matt Davis - 4/10
Wasn't on long.
Blake Austin - 6/10
Did a few nice things.
Sitaleki Akauola - 4/10
Nothing to report.
Matty Ashton - 5/10
Brought a bit of pace to proceedings.
Morgan Burgess - N/A
Don't think he came on.
@ALooseWire
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