THE REASON WE LOST

[Southern Softy]

Isn't the answer simple? Two incorrect penalties in the second half given by an incompetent and inadequate referee.

I always want to see us win but I don't really care about the result. If we can take this attitude and commitment into the SL, then we will be OK.

Some players were good - some bad - not the kind of match to use as a marker but the refereeing was so awful as to almost defy belief. If it continues in this way, it could seriously damage the sport.

[TrueBlueWarrior]

Phil Bentham!!

[Seinfeld79]

The 2 referee decisions (Bateman penalty and whatever that penalty was at the end) will get a lot of coverage but in truth my heart sank when Smith went for the drop goal. I can understand why he did it, the chance for the glory is great motivation. The percentage play would have been to pin them on their line as Brisbane did to us after their failed dg attempts. I can't remember the game last yr when we kept trying long dg attempts rather than applying pressure but I hope we do learn our lesson this time. Overall I don't think anyone can question our commitment on a very tricky pitch.

[DaveO]

The 2 referee decisions (Bateman penalty and whatever that penalty was at the end) will get a lot of coverage but in truth my heart sank when Smith went for the drop goal. I can understand why he did it, the chance for the glory is great motivation. The percentage play would have been to pin them on their line as Brisbane did to us after their failed dg attempts. I can't remember the game last yr when we kept trying long dg attempts rather than applying pressure but I hope we do learn our lesson this time. Overall I don't think anyone can question our commitment on a very tricky pitch.

Tomkins went right to Smith with a pass but could have got another 10m had he scooted straight given were Brisbane had lined up. Yes, the predictable move but why not?

[Fujiman]

Their kicking game was brilliant and ours wasnt. Also thought Sarge can hold his head high tonight.

[Mike]

Total lack of composure. If we have the ball in the opponents half at the moment its a good bet that we will turn it over in 2-3 tackles with a mistake, kick or running into touch.

[shaunedwardsfanclub]

The best team won. We need better game management, especially in tight games. Hunt's kicking and general play was much superior to Smith's hence the reason Brisbane dominated field position in the second half.

There were a lot of positives for Wigan and if we can apply ourselves as we did tonight then we will have a successful campaign. Our back row were fantastic tonight and Joel makes a massive difference to the pack.

It was a big learning curve for our guys and one we will benefit from. Unfortunately, we lacked a game breaker such as Sam and the loss of Tautai was a big blow.

[ian.birchall]

. I can't remember the game last yr when we kept trying long dg attempts rather than applying pressure but I hope we do learn our lesson this time. Overall I don't think anyone can question our commitment on a very tricky pitch.

Against t'Wire in the semi surely?

[ian.birchall]

Total lack of composure. If we have the ball in the opponents half at the moment its a good bet that we will turn it over in 2-3 tackles with a mistake, kick or running into touch.

Well Mike you really have got into the match tonight, it must have hurt badly as I don't think that I've ever seen you post as much on a game?

[ian.birchall]

I would love games to be that intense every week we would then develop the killer instinct required.

Our biggest issue is our halves, too alike and no ability to take us around the pitch, our kicking game is dire.

BB gave us a lesson on how to kick and chase.
For the past two seasons we've had a pair of halfbacks who kicked on opposite sides of the field, Green to the left, Smith to the right. Now the vast majority of our good kicks go right, the opposition know what's coming, defend that and our kicking game looks as bad as when we had Leuluai and Finch.
ian.birchall