Thank you, we already have the Leeds rhinos bibs for them so should not be too long. They are doing better than I am. Still struggling to come to terms with the. Loss of my old life and the lack of sleep. Only 10 mins sleep yesterday

Congrats.

My mini-me has just turned a year old. If I can do it, anyone can!

As for your lack of sleep, sounds like you are doing your fair share. Just do what I do and don't. You won't see bags under my eyes.

Classic, fresh, BB.

I agree with you to a certain extent, but I think last year saw Kirke with a bigger role in the 17, and Peacock a more reduced one. He's obviously not in the same class as Peacock, but he has many things going for him, though questions do remain whether he has the ticker for it

Kirke has occasionally shown that he is capable of playing longer stints - when not concussed - when given the opportunity.

The question remains whether he will be given those opportunities or whether the other props (Peacock in particular) will be flogged instead.

Congrats - our little one arrived 2 weeks ago (and early!) so in time for the new season. This game shall be his first so hopefully a win (tho, obviously I doubt he'll really care either way at this point).

And yes... understand about the lack of sleep!

I'm excited for this one but a bit nervous too. Hull have brought a lot of good players in and I'm still abit worried over our front row but fingers crossed.

Very important and meaningful game this where the result is crucial and really counts.

Wheyhey

Mr Steve Ganson will referee Friday's game!

I'll get it out of the way before anyone else...the game is ruined already

With the refs around there are not many that wouldn't ruin the game. Could be worse though, could have childs, alibert or silverwood.

What a depressing thought (but quite right)

Don't think you should be concerning yourselves over your front row. We have Watts missing, by far our biggest forward and arguably our best forward for the second half of last season. We haven't really replaced Moa either.
Expecting big things of young Green though, think he'll come off the bench for us, a star in the making.

I see Alibert is starting the season off refereeing in the Championship?! Interesting.

Any guesses what the attendance will be? Visiting from Aus so I'm hoping you guys put on a good show! (And atmosphere)

I blame the wife for allowing the egg to split if there was just one I could follow your example, sadly with twins I have to do my half!

yes and he was crap on sunday at doncaster.

I have not seen many games of aliberts where he hasn't been rubbish

First game of the season, Leeds champions, Hull stronger on paper. I reckon somewhere near the 18k mark personally. Enjoy the game.

Not sure why you think Hull are stronger - if you do a man for man I can't see that?

Hull are much stronger Sal.

I was more concerned with his 18k estimate. Think it might be a good 10% down on that.

Not sure how you get to this opinion. We're better in almost every position.

I think he means they are a stronger squad than they were last year. Anyway Friday night will show whether that's true or not. Lets hope the match isn't decided by the clown with the whistle.

Agreed, I read the opening comment by Harrigan as 'Hull stronger on paper' to be a comparison to the Hull squad of 2012 not in relation to Leeds' squad in 2013.

It will be interesting to see the turnout. Leeds would have to be satisfied with around the 15K unless Hull were to travel in monster numbers to witness their latest false (?) dawn.

That's exactly what was meant. That's what I took Harrigans post to mean, and why I agreed. Hull are a much stronger team this year.

i can see around 3,500 from Hull travelling over.

First allocation of tickets sold out, but as a club i think were not the best at pre-purchase away tickets so expect a lot just to travel on the night

Likely side:

McDonnell
Lineham (hope he playes over Crookes)
Arundel
Yeaman
Briscoe
Holdsworth
Seymour
Lynch
Houghton
O'Meley
Ellis
Galea
Westerman

Heremaia
Pitts (bulked up a lot!)
Green
Whiting