Looking back at the record away Super League win over Wakefield, how pleasing was that?
It was definitely a good performance, and a very good result.
What was the really good thing about it was that we rediscovered a bit of resolve in defence.
Wakefield had a lot of ball and a lot of penalties early on, when it seemed that everything seemed to go for them, and they are a team that can score points.
But we held them out well and then finished them off, which was good to see.
It’s hard to say if it was our best win of the season, because wins are good for different reasons, but it was certainly up there.
You mentioned the number of penalties Wakefield received early on. Were you concerned with a 7-1 first-half penalty count against you?
Not really.
Sometimes the flow doesn’t go your way and you obviously don’t like to concede penalties.
It’s just a case of having to take the good with the bad and just get on with it. You can’t afford to let it affect you.
We did address a few things at half time and it was good to see we didn’t really get penalised after that.
Although you were put under so much pressure, you looked much fitter and stronger than your opponents. That must be another plus?
It was very good to see.
There was no question we were much fitter than the opposition.
The way our big people held Wakefield out and then came back at them and made good yards was excellent to see.
It shows what a good job our strength and conditioning staff are doing, and all credit to them for that.
What was also pleasing was to see your half-backs getting back to some excellent form after the disappointments of the Salford defeat the week before?
Sometimes you can have bad days, and that’s what happened with so many of us against Salford the week before, including the half-backs.
I know Kev Brown, in particular, would have liked to have played the day after the Salford game if he’d had the choice.
Unfortunately, he had to wait a little bit longer, but I’m sure he would have thought it was worth the wait.
He was getting back to his best against Wakefield, as were Luke Robinson and Scott Moore.
We made slight adjustments to the roles they were playing last weekend, and they worked well to say it was the first time they were implemented. The changes definitely helped in regards to our attack and our kicking game.
Furthermore, I thought all three of them played with far more composure than they did the week before. They didn’t seem to be missing Brett Hodgson as much as they were against Salford.
But, having said all that, I thought everyone played well at the weekend, from one to 17.
They all contributed in different ways, and I don’t think anyone who played didn’t come up with something.
So that means you must have been encouraged with the way (on-loan Wigan back-rower) Lee Mossop played on his debut?
I thought Lee went okay.
He’s still a young kid (20 years old) and has got a long way to go.
But to say this was his first start for us he showed some good touches, which was encouraging.
Lee’s Cup-tied for the home game against Castleford, so does that create any major selection headaches for you?
Not really.
Fortunately, everyone came through the Wakefield game unscathed, which means changes will be kept to a minimum.
And with having Lee ruled out it means Paul Jackson will come back in for him.
Jacko was rested for last week’s game and I’m sure he’ll come back refreshed and eager to play.
There is, however, still the question mark over Brett Hodgson.
He’s recovering well from his (quad-muscle) injury, and he was able to train well yesterday.
But we’ll give him a fitness test tomorrow before thinking about making a final decision
If he isn’t right, then Leroy Cudjoe will continue at full-back, and after the way he played at Wakefield last weekend I’d be more than happy about going down that track.
With changes being kept to a minimum, that presumably means Michael Lawrence will be 18th man for a third week, and in the few games before that he had been switched from centre to wing. What’s the thinking behind that?
The fact he moved from centre to wing was more to do with Jamahl Lolesi’s best position being centre, and that affected where Bruno’s played.
You have to remember he’s only just turned 19, so at this stage of his development it’ll do him good to move out wider or have a week or two off.
I do, however, think in the future he’ll be a centre.
You often find that talented young centres often come in at the start on the wing at the elite level, and move back inside later in their careers and go on to have a massive impact in the game.
We see no reason why that can’t happen with Bruno.
Finally, as the game against Castleford fast approaches, how much would it mean to you to help the club reach a Challenge Cup semi-final?
I suppose I’ve been brought in to do a job and hopefully be part of a coaching team that can prepare the side as best as we can to be successful.
But everyone throughout the club puts time in and contributes to the cause, so if we do get through this weekend everybody should be feeling proud.
There’s no question it’s a big thing to do well in it, and I think we’re all determined to make further progress.
