That's a great post.



But how do explain saints situation?



They pretty much maintained it all through 2006, then again in 2007. They were outplayed on the day in the grand final, but they still maintained. Finishing top (again) and winning the cc (again), then beating us in the playoffs.



Then....again this season. a shaky start, but they have overahuled a 6 point deficit and look unstoppable.



will they finish top (again), win the cc (again) and win back the title?



If they can maintain this type of form and consistency over such a length of time other teams hsould be able to.

Old Bluey's previous record in club coaching is not that impressive. Maybe we should start calling him Yellow or Green. Is this the start of the rot? Even more significance is hinging on the CC semi now. If that game is lost I can see a dissapointing end to the season for Leeds.

I was thinking about this last night and I'd agree with Rob's post. We seem to be deliberately holding back, keeping some gas in the tank if you will, with one eye on the latter part of the season.



If you look at the last three defeats, we very nearly pinched it at Quins, we very nearly pinched it last night, and we got beat fair and square by Saints in a tough game. Add in that we were getting done by Hull until we pulled our socks up and a picture is starting to crystallise.



If they are applying the brakes now to save energy, without doubt it's a risky strategy, but one I think this bunch of players is capable of pulling off.



Some will see this as believist, but I'd prefer to be "happy with a glass half full than miserable with a glass half empty".

I'd rather be miserable with a glass smashed on floor and wrists slit with broken glass.

Why are you so negative? It must be very depressing looking at life through your eyes.

A successful international coach, appointed to one of the biggest club jobs in the game is learning his trade? Has GH screwed up?







The multi talented, international laden Super League and World Champion squad doesn't suit the coach. Are you serious?







Yep.







Apart from Toopi, which of those would have played last night?







That's all conjecture isn't it?



You note I'm not slating the coach at all. Do you think he's contributed to the mini slump in any way?



Aladdin Sane puts a pretty strong case for it being by design?

I'd have said that a fully fit Kirke, Ablett and an available Scruton would have been in the 17.

Replacing Allan, Smith and ?

If it was by design we'd have ''planned it'' earlier in the season.

Burgess or Bailey probably. The way that Scruton has played so far this year, I'm pretty sure that we'd have gone with him instead of Biffa, although I think Leuluai is in need of a rest.

I disagree, if we were planning it we would be looking to hit our straps for the start of the playoffs not two months before.

I should have made the point clearer, before we disappear up a blind hypothetical alley.



With the exception of Toopi that was a strong enough side last night for injuries not to be an excuse.