I let a days worth of thought before posting this, but have determined it was not the emotion from the loss but fact.
Crighton’s deficiencies:
He had a low miss tackle score because he wasn’t in place to make tackles, his side to side movement in defence is poor to say the least. Is this that he can’t read the game, or couldn’t be bothered?
His kick return and carry of the ball frustrated myslef and others in the crowd no end. Carrying the ball one handed like he is Michael Jordon, yes that’s great for ball security as the last minute of the game showed. His stupid pause and goose step each and every time he runs, giving the defense time to close up. Finally there was a a kick return late in the game, with the defense coming at him at an angle. Instead of running to the path of least resistance and with that angle, making 30-40 metres, he turns back in to the closest defender with his stupid slow skipping motion.
He was also rolled onto his back in almost every tackle.
Finally his slow passing. We all know he is renowned for lack of passing as a centre, but as a fullback last nights when he stood in the line, he paused after catching the ball, when a quick spread was required. I think in his mind he must consider draw and pass the only skill he has, even when it’s not called for.
Ok, this might be a bit harsh, and sure it unknown if Edwards would of won us the game, but one thing for sure we wouldn’t be directing the comments above against Edwards.
I thought Salmon played well also, and liked what I saw from Lindsay Smith. Spencer gave it a real good dig. That’s 3/4 bench spots for mine, presuming Sorensen starts in the second row.
Garner and Hosking both seemed pretty ordinary.
I though Kenny did ok, as did Cogger when he came on. Yes our hookers where different, but not the cause of the loss.
Our starting props were rusty, Critta awful, two ordinary edge forwards, and Jerome looked asleep most the game. We also were running into the wind both halves with the storm turning around.
St Helen’s played out of their skin and deserve every accolade. Rugby League was the winner in the end.
But I see no need to panic, round one will be a different side, and most now have a tough game under their belt to give match fitness and battle hardness.
Kudos to both coaches and captains for being magnanimous in victory / defeat.
Glad I was there to witness it, it may well have been a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Also many thanks to the Saints fans who attended the game. You made the atmosphere great for some ordinary weather.
A big surprise of the night, was the contingent of Leeds fans who had travelled from the UK hoping to see the Panthers beat their arch rivals St Helen’s. Wow that’s some devotion.
Match
Venue
Time
Tickets
Weather
Thunderstorms 31°C (
Chance of Rain: 34 / 
Wind: NE 14km/h)
Broadcast
NRL Live Pass [LIVE]
Kayo Sports [LIVE]
Kickoff has been changed to 6:50pm due to concerns over players welfare and the heat.
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