Perhaps now those that questioned the loss that Aiton will be will [unow[/u understand !!!



A great defensive effort and a return to the good old fashined ground out win ....but .....those lovely runs from dummy half with equally lovely go forward and off loads reached a peak against Warrington.



Credit to McDermott for his blind-sider, but it was close.



As others have already pointed out McGuire was trying to cover two half back roles....and he did do a good job, but going forward I think we have to really give Robbie Ward an opportunity against Hull (which I think will be done with the healthy lead and those extra 2 valuable points).



I too believe Sinfield is now our best dummy half option, but it does look now to be leaving too big a 'hole' in the halfbacks. I'm not sure Burrow is the answer: IMO he is still best coming off the bench.



Maybe Lilley might be tried at halfback against Hull too? Some tough decisions ahead....but one game before wembley how many more injury risks can Leeds afford to take?



Poor old Achurch....hope he makes a recovery to play against Hull

Put your feet up and relax next week, you have top place secured.

Biggest problem tonight as the match wore on was too many guys wanting to play the attractive stuff instead of the sensible wet weather rugby that was required. That's why Sinfield is so important and was rightly MOM, because he knows what's needed, whilst some guys made some poor decisions in the 2nd half. (Watkins trying to squeeze a ball over his shoulder on halfway with 5 mins left that lead to Wigan's last try an example)



Sinfield at 9 does create a HB problem but surely they could get someone to stand in for at least the last tackle at dummy half so Sinfield can be a kicking option. Given the weather I'm not sure you can totally write off this same lineup playing again as the wet conditions did shackle us a bit just as much (more) as the way we lined up.



Hardaker was quality again and Garbutt had a good game. A few players not at their best with getting dragged into giving penalties away like Cuthbertson and Ward, the latter I can see developing a bit of a heated rivalry over the next few years with Bateman.

Saints are going to have to buck up their ideas and straight away now looking at the table



3rd...Saints - 32pts

4th...Hudds - 30pts

5th...Cas - 30pts



Saints have played and lost to the two 'weakest' teams in the 8's in Hull and Catalans. That leaves them with 5 games on the trot against the 5 strongest other teams and when in horrible form.



Hudds (h)

Leeds (a)

Cas (a)

Wigan (h)

Wire (h)



Lose to Hudds next week and then face two away games then they could really be in trouble.

You would think Saints have to find some form again soon they have too much quality not to imo.Maybe the weeks rest for wembley will do them the world of good.I still think them and Wigan are an equal threat to us for the GF.

Sinfield excellent MOM performance. Garbutt, Ward and Ablett put in some big shifts. JP a bit below par and Watkins and Briscoe a bit sloppy. Moon really strong in the middle and Mags sharp.



We should rest key players next week as growing injury list is becoming a big worry. Saints could even drop out of the top 4. The GF could be played by 2 sets of reserves at this rate.

I think resting peacock, cuthbertson and trying to limit McGuire time by having lilley on the bench is a good idea. Same for R Ward starting at hooker

Would agree with all of this...Garbutt is proving to be another masterstroke signing. Moon is quietly going about his business as a quality centre in the shadow of all the accolades that his counterpart (justifiably) gets. He and Hall are less error prone than their right wing partnership.

Garbutt is a good signing.No frills just does his job of carting it up and solid in defence.Needs to get a pair of shorts that fit though

I don't think anyone questioned Aiton's value to the team the debate was whether we could find an equivalent replacement. If Ballin is coming he is every bit as good as Aiton if not better so the answer to the question is yes.

On a second look I was wrong to say JP was a bit under par. In fact he put in his usual massive effort with Cuthbertson not far behind. As it turned out Cuthbo did step up to acting half back on a few occasions and even made a dummy run. I wonder if Kylie took a knock

I think the game plan for the conditions was correct and Mac seemed unhappy that we moved from it in the second half which turned over cheap possession. After 3 big games on the trot do we rest up our key men next week as we can afford 2 losses and still take first spot. Or do we try and secure top spot against Hull to keep momentum for Wembley?