Quite a bit of negativity here - some justified but not all imo.

1. Pre match Burgess/Myler incident - I don't know the full details but from what I have seen /heard someone at the club made a mistake - a very basic one. Now if Hull weren't in such a dire position and scrapping for every single small advantage I think they would be more likely to agree to Burgess's request. But they are where they are and in all honesty I don't blame Myler. It was a Wire cock up.

2. Given the conditions we were very unlikely to put 50 on Hull, but it was a 'flat' performance. I do think that with a bit more composure if Hull play like in future they'll win.

3. We had 9 dropped balls / knock ons, and 2 penalties (one for a flop and one a high shot). The conditions dictated the former and that gave Hull some breathing space.

4. The in goal kicking for the repeat sets we had at the start of the match was impressive - even though it only resulted in 1 try at the time I think it gave us benefits later on.

5. Dufty is revelling in his role but I wouldn't be surprised if he has a week off next week as he appears to have quite a few knocks - but that could depend on if Thewlis comes through.

6. Thewlis - great performance, BUT he takes far too many head high shots. Not his 'fault' (would a head guard help?). Whether the offenders should have yellow/red is one point, but the more serious one is concern for his long term welfare. I am very uncomfortable with this.

7. Hull try seemed to me to be a mistake by Lindop coming in when there was no need, but apart from that I think he did ok.

We need to be more consistent in our performances. At the moment we're not playing at the right level to win trophies.

Oh yeah he is tough, he just pretends he isnt until the whistle goes for a penalty lol.

Probably predictable after the Asiata announcement.

Ok. Let's take 4 example games. London are terrible and out no pressure on our kickers. We had 7 kicks behind or not far past the half way. 6 of those went straight to hands. The 7th could have possibly been taken on the full by a better FB than walker.

Hull KR away. 9 out of 14 long kicks went straight to their players. 3 of the 5 kicks that didn't were Williams interestingly.

Cas at home. 3 kicks from range and they all went to hands.

I could go through each game from this season but I really don't want to. I think this is enough evidence to show that our long range kicking game isn't good so we probably shouldn't criticise Drinkwaters kicking when he plays and takes long kicking duties.

I wouldnt disagree that Drinkwaters and Hayes kicks placement are similar I'd argue that Hayes kicks longer. He certainly kicks longer from pentalties.

I'd think the big part of the issue for Drinkwater is hes a quota player on a reasonable wage, that a young player has come through and was/is playing arguably better certaintly at least as good as him.

I also feel that the number 7 role for us in the current system is a little thankless, do well it probably will get unoticed, do badly and it will, as Williams and Dufty run the show, so i have some sympathy for Drinkwater and I do feel the better games for him have come when Williams isnt playing.I dont know if feels overawed or something.
I think that Hayes comes in with less expectation so his performances have been received better.
I hope Drinkwater smashes it this year and goes out with a bang.

On second viewing:
Philbin had a very decent game (took some good flat passes) & Tai put some effective low tackles in. Both improved their chances of remaining in the team.
Drinkwater nice clean break from nothing to set up Williams try & involved in others.
Dufty is being asked to do too much in attack for his own health & won't last. We must reduce his work load if we want to keep him playing every week. This idea of using him as a battering ram on the 5th Tackle will end in tears.
The conditions were absolutely appalling & made it much easier to defend.