Yes I’m also not sure Lino and Smith are the main issue.



The forwards really need to step up big time and get us dominating teams. I also include edge forwards in this too I’m afraid.



I have a lot of respect for Ashurst and Pitts but they are very defensive edge forwards that offer little threat in attack and even less of a passing game drawing in players. They are solid performers every week and as I say defensively good but we are stunted somewhat in attack.



The forwards need to be the ones to really get the team firing and be putting us in good positions.



Eseh is going to be a very good prop forward and just needs another season or two under his belt that’s all. I’m happy for him to keep playing.



We need more from Atoni and for me he needs to be coming off the bench and focusing mostly on head down and driving that ball in as hard as possible and fighting for every meter. Forget the flashy stuff and link up plays. Good hard direct running and build from there.



With Mason joining I think my 4 props would be.



Whitbread

Bowden (Butler if Bowden isn’t fit)



Mason

Eseh



My comment re: edge forwards. I honestly would love to see this. Forward line up: it would change the whole dynamic of the team.



8. Whitbread

9. Hood

10. Bowden

11. Tanginoa

12. Proctor

13. Crowther



Let me make it clear though. I’m not slaying any of the trinity players. I want every one of the players to succeed.



We really just need to muscle up, dominate and fight though. The players must be hurting and the coach but it’s them alone that can fight to change the course of the season.

To be fair to Pitts he apparently had his best game of the season against Saints and his stats seem to back that up, it would be harsh to drop him after that. Really not sure on Proctor though. He's put the effort in defensively without a doubt but he looks spent after 15 minutes and has offered nothing with the ball. Putting him in his natural position might help but to be honest i think he's past it i'm afraid. As my old grandad used to say, 'he's been a good 'un that lad but his legs have gone'. As for Mason i'm not convinced ability wise he's any better or worse than those already here to be honest. He's does though have some size about him which offeres a point of difference and will be useful but for me more importantly it gives the chance to take Eseh out of the firing line if needed. He's gone well and the kid is going to be a very good prop forward but we need to remember he is still only 19 and over exposure too soon could be detrimental to his development, especially playing in a struggling side. We still need to be careful with him for his own good as much as our own.

Could have Munster and clearly at 6 and 7 for us, but if our forwards are only doing only 50 odd metres a game what chance would they stand.

Think Pitts and Ashurst have really got stuck in this season and done well considering the stage their careers are at. Think they are both older than Proctor too.

Could probably spell Proctor with Pitts/Hewitt. Just trying to think how we can improve our attacking threat and go forward.



Good job by Pitts. If that’s the case then hopefully it can be backed up. Rotation on a short turn around isn’t a bad option though and their is options.

For me if fit i'd probably aim to keep it tight early doors with a back row of Ashurst, Pitts & Crowther and go with Tanginoa off the bench for some impact. Applegarth didn't sound too sure Kelepi would be ready this week though and with hamstring injuries you don't really want to risk it if not 100%. If he doesn't make then i guess Proctor (if back) plays that role, short spells might get more out of him with the ball. Mash was the same with Bowden, back within the next couple of weeks i think it was. As big a game as it is them breaking down midway through it and then being out another 6 weeks would be curtains so only play them if fully fit.

Can’t disagree with that. If we aren’t confident they can pull through they shouldn’t be risked.

I don’t know what combination of forwards we’ll use but the props especially need to step up.

Can’t think of a game were we haven’t been beaten in the pack.

Salford away I believe we were more dominant but came out the wrong side.

No matter who plays for us we still lose this game , the key is McShane, if he doesn’t play we lose by 12 - 16 points , if he does we lose by 16 - 40 points . This is the same McShane who we let go and who went on to lead a team to Old Trafford and CC final . The Cas squad is so much stronger than ours in all departments .

McShane never wanted to be at Wakey but needed a club to get out of the championship. He was shipped out with a couple of other guys who weren't up for the fight and we were lucky enough to pick up Scott Moore.

He's done very well at Cas but he was uninterested whilst with us and the swap suited both him and more importantly us.

I have zero faith we will win this game, can only see us getting Cas's season started. Miller will probably rip us apart just to rub it in.