Before the season I suggested that different players had different objectives to meet this year, in order for the team to move forwards.



I felt the old guard of Fitzy, Malc an Stu Littler needed to find form in order to be influential on all other players. I felt that Stef and Luke Adamson needed to continue their development into top class performers. I felt that Sidlow and Jewitt needed to step up in class to fill the gap left open by the loss of Stapo.



I made comments about other players but believed that the above were the players to look at closest.



So what do you think of the above players so far?



For me;

Fitz, lots of enthusiasm and energy and appears to be regaining some of the pace he lost after his achilles injury.



Malc, lots of effort, still top drawer in defence but starting to lose a bit of acceleration around the ruck. (Maybe the ruck area is just faster now.)



Stuart Littler, Not really had a great deal of game time so I'll make no judgement. The same applies to Jewitt.



Stef Ratchford, learning a new half back combo with two different players. Certainly restricts him. As do the 'percentage' tactics we seem to obsess on.



Luke Adamson, as he was re defencive skills. Appears to be going through a transition into a leader on the pitch. I still feel he lacks ability with the ball in hand. Room for improvement I'm sure he'd admit.



Sidlow. I've been really impressed with him to be honest. Well, considering. He definitely looks up for it and has made more of an impact than I expected. Still LOTS of room for improvement though.

I think Fitzy has been sensational so far this year, really playing like he wants another year on his contract. He's been brave taking the ball forward, not scared to jump with when taking the ball and He's also been linking into the attacking line very. I just feel we could use him a little more either on the inside ball or chasing a little chip over from Ratchford.



Ratchford has been fairly quiet so far by his standards, but I'm sure once he's settled down with his new halfback partner he'll be fine. I just looks as though a lot of made him what he was last season has been coached out of him and he know seems scared to try something different. Still he has all the attributes to make it a very long way in the game and we need to start using his talents a lot more.



Littler well its Littler isn't it. I know some aren't his biggest fans on here and I can understand why, but he's always there and never lets anyone down (Apart from his winger). Have to say though this has to be his last season at this level.



Sibbit like fitzy looks like he's trying to prove a point he's running hard and tackling even harder I'm impressed so far.



I've always liked Sidlow a big lad with a cracking offload looks like he needs a kick up the backside at times, but I think that's just the way he is.



Adamson is great, like Alker he's a tackle machine I'd like to see more from him going forward, but then again in a side coached by McRae I doubt we're going to see that.

Anyone notice how Adamson seems to turn his back into the tackle when he has the ball? I suppose it could help for offloading but he's not going to make metres doing it.



I agree with what Ave It said about Fitzy and Sibbit. I just get images of some kamikaze pilot whenever Fitzy takes the ball up. He legs it full pelt into the defensive line and has been absolutely smashed on several occasions so far this season but he's there the next time we have the ball ready to run with it again.



We desperately need Cashmere back to get some size back into the forward pack.

Got to admit that Fitzy has impressed me when i've seen his this year, I had him down as past it at this level but am very pleasently surprised.



I don't like the idea that some are putting forward about Ratchford needing to bed in with his halfback partner as I would hate to think that Houldsworth is our first choice #7, I'd personally much rather see us stick with Matty Smith in his natural position and find a role in the field for Houldsworth to be in effect a 3rd half back.

Noticed that myself.

All fine and dandy if he is offloading but can't remember him offloading once against Catalans. No point spinning before you hit the tackle if you're not offloading as you lose all forward momentum.

I think Fitz has been one of our better performers this season although he does tend to let the ball bounce a little too much for my liking on the kicks.



Also, would like to see Houldsworth at 13 TBH and drop Swain into the 2nd row. Reg has looked far more dangerous when running out wide IMO. Thought his long kicking game was the only positive from last Friday as well.

I actually think that, individually, most of our players have done OK so far this season.



The biggest problem seems to be that they've not played as a team, or the way that the team has been playing.

id like to see matty smith at scrum half, jeremy smith at hooker and daniel holdsworth at loose forward for a few games just to see how we go.Also cashmere and sidlow as our front row.ON the bench maybe sibbit , luelui , parker and alker/littler.

Ah - after 5 games ehh

- You have played 5 won NONE lost 5 drawn NONE you are bottom of the league!!! worsed team ever

what a prick , stay eating your pies you inbred pillock

Super League X1 2006



Wigan Warriors

[ithrough rounds 1-16[/i



Played 16

Lost 14 (inc 7 in succession)



..... so maybe Salford aren't the [uworsed[/u SL team ever

(just yet)

stupid pie munching illiterate nonce!!!!



that aside i think sibit is playing some of the best rugby ive seen him play!



fitzy...bravest full back in SL?...and has been scientifically proven to have a neck made from rubber.



as for matty smith, i dont know if i have faith in him, this may just be because he hasnt had much time at no 7 this season