I saw some of the game. Not having seen Salford get hammered the previous fixture I don't have a frame of reference. Were Salford excellent (in which case what's happened since the Hull game?) or were Saints hopeless?
FWIW it looked more a case of hopelessness by Saints. In which case what's happened to them?
I'm still not convinced by Salford yet. Saints were absolutely hopeless.
I think it all stems from an inexperienced coaching team, all legendary players but not coaches. Cunningham said after the game that he could sense complacency before they began. But this has been the excuse for every loss he has had, so what is he doing about it?
The complacency I think stemmed, from Cunningham. With Roby injured, he chose to play a 20 year old Rookie, in his debut Super League game as a solo hooker. Whilst he had an experienced hooker sat on the bench!
That was just the start of a bizarre squad selection, he played Prop/Loose Forward LMS, at Centre, with a Centre playing in Stand Off, while there was a Stand Off sat on the bench!
The defensive line speed was slow, there were far too many ball handling errors. They looked like they had no attacking game plan other than try and punch through the middle.
The scoreline flattered Salford, but take nothing away from them. They noticed a confused squad, with no energy, so they dominated and took advantage.
This has been coming for a while, mediocre coaches with no experience. Signing players and cast-offs from clubs below, the player that we did sign with some excitement (Fages), barely played.
Cunningham is a legendary hooker, probably one of the best to have played that position. He was never known for his attacking creativity, or team organisation, that guy was always Sean Long. Another legend who was known for some fantastic attacking rugby. Yet Cunningham has appointed him as a defensive coach. When Long played, he was always forced to the wings in defence as he was a weak defender, yet now he is coaching them? While boring one-up Cunningham is coaching attack?!
The results aren't acceptable for Saints, the style of play isn't acceptable for Saints, the attitude isn't acceptable for Saints. In my opinion, his reputation at the club as a player has allowed him too much leniency. I fear Saints will become the next Warrington unless the board make some tough decisions with the coaching team.
If Salford are capable of putting 44 past St Helens, imagine what Wigan, Leeds, and Warrington will do. I expect to see a very embarrassing score next Friday against Sydney.
