2 things …

If we go on to win the next seven games without him…does he walk straight back in?



Isn’t it better to lose him now than hole he learns a lesson?

Realistically, today and next week are the big losses. We need a fast start after last season, and he undoubtedly adds grunt and experience. After that though, we will have Dudson back then Philbin for round 5 or 6 and will be playing against teams that are expected to be in the lower half. If, having signed a whole new squad, we can’t beat those teams in round 3 to round 7 because of one player, then the problems run deeper.



Hoping tonight, with a decent crowd behind them, we can get the job done.

Philbin was ineffective for the majority of 2022 bar the last game or so prior to injury and perhaps since 2019.

Clean slate....

Amazingly, or ironically, Philbin was back to his best in the game where he got injured.

Please. My New Year’s resolution is to be positive, I can’t fail after 47 days!



Philbin is an internationally recognised prop, selected by two different England/GB coaches. Theres a player there, if we use him right.



Last year, and much of 2020/2021, are now archived with the late 90’s, early 2000’s. What doesn’t kill you….

just on the mcguire thing, has anyone else read the transcript on the rfl site?



its pretty comprehensive, and very difficult to argue with their reasonings

He denied saying the word, and even though there is only one independent witness I can see why the balance of probability fell against him. He probably would have been better just owning up and saying he screwed up in the heat of the moment.



However:







The same RFL whose CEO was caught making a targeted racial joke during a pre-World Cup publicity event. And who was let off the hook by making an apology.



Leading by example right there then?

Has McGuire apologised? Can’t really get a reduction on the grounds or remorse, without being remorseful.



I do agree though, can’t have idiots at the top. Need a ruthless and uncompromising media machine.

I’ve not seen an official statement from the club and/or McGuire yet. The disciplinary notes stated something along the lines of being clearly remorseful, but that remorse doesn’t excuse the action (something along those lines).



I guess the club had to wait to find out the verdict before making an apology, because McGuire’s defence was that he didn’t actually say it.

He's adamant he didn't say it, don't expect an apology

Sort of puts the club in an awkward position regards any statement. I guess they will condemn use of the word without actually mentioning their position on whether he said it.



Something should be put out though, then we can draw a line under it and move on having hopefully learned a lesson.