We’ve just got too many injuries and too many youngsters playing as a result.



We were battered by their pack and kicked to death by Wynn. What frustrated me most was, despite clearly losing the forward battle; we kept playing one or two passes followed by a drive up the middle. We didn’t start throwing it out wide until the last half hour and scored try after try. We actually matched them try for try with 7 trys each. If only they had thrown the ball out wide earlier, Grady wouldn’t have been rushing to beat the clock while taking his kicks.



We definitely missed Webster too. Time after time we looked clueless on their line, and I think Webster would’ve made a big difference here. Gerrard just isn’t the answer, but I suppose we had little choice.



We were out enthused and out experienced by Toulouse’s Aussies; Nathan Wynn in particular. I wish we had someone who could kick like that. Their Centre, Duport was also outstanding imo.



Whilst it is disappointing to loose to what appeared to be one of the poorest sides in the competition, I’m sure things will improve as we get players back from injury.



No need to panic just yet.

Liam Farrell was not playing in their 17 today.After the challenge cup game i think he will be back.Could of done with liam yesterday seen as he did not play.If we get the Danny Heckingburgh from london,ford,allen and webster back, i will feel confident again.

Talking of over-reactions from yours truly, but in response to the Leyther, I've been a bit sceptical of O'Connor's role and his effectiveness in it for a while now..

Widnes for Sl lol

Is that an ironic laugh? Well, it's your team they'll be replacing.



Personally i'm looking forward to going to watch Fax at Salford in 2012. I don't care what anyone says, The Willows is a lovely little stadium.

Look forward to it

Yes i have ive been every home game apart from fax and i watched that on the tv so i know what im talking about.

Hi all, I'm new to the forum scene, and let me firstly say that I am a Widnes fan and am not a troll!



Ok, that out of the way, here's my opinion on the current subject.



The defensive performance was inept, and hasn't improved from early in the season. I'm assuming that Cullen knows a thing or two about coaching, and would have highlighted defence as an area of improvement.



My issue is simple. How can he suggest that the club are down to the bare bones? I think he has a cheek to use this as an excuse. Widnes Vikings have =#0000003 teams. Approximately 70 players i'd guess. Sure, the majority aren't ready for 1st team action and true, the reserves and kids havent played yet or are in early season, but its not as if there is a player shortage.



I'm referring to the problems that other clubs are currently going through, which puts things into perspective. London Skolars were down to their last 17 at the weekend. Rochdale Hornets were down to the last 17 this weekend. This is to name just two. These are teams with genuine injury problems who DO NOT have any other teams to use players.



There has been no denying the poor defence from the coaching staff which is fair enough, but dont blame it on 'not having our strongest team available'. How often does a team have the strongest team available with everybody fit?



Deal with the problem. Simple as that.

Hi and welcome to the forum. Two posts on this forum and already I'm picking up an anti-Cullen vibe from you peterw...





Whose to say that he isn't working on that at the moment. Saturday night's defeat seemed to be down to a mixture of individual errors and a very good game from some Toulouse players. Cut out the silly errors and the score would have been more respectable. Personally I think it's incredible how so many people have completely disregarded how well Toulouse played for 60 mins. I think it might have something to do with previous scores against them but the performance on Saturday night suggested they are far better than some of those.



Seems you answered your own question there!!



That's all very well but from a chosen first team squad, i.e. those players singled out as good enough to play rugby at this level, at one time we had ten players out injured and others currently playing with injuries and knocks. We might have 70 players or so on the books but which of those are good enough to play against the likes of Whitehaven or Toulouse.



I don't recall one person blaming injuries for the poor defensive effort. Injuries happen, fair enough, but how often would you expect two season ending injuries to two of your props. How many sides would realistically expect to lose more than a third of their squad for more than two or three games? Against Dewsbury we played the vast majority of the game with only two players available on the bench.. not a bad result considering.

I'm always very sceptical of anyone who introduces themselves with the phrase "I am not a troll". Judging by your first few posts, you've already started with the controversial postings, and don't think you wont be found out if you are a troll.

I am not a troll. I am a number.