Totally agree.

Thought I was going mad for a minute.

Yeah, since Handley was described as the worst winger in SL.

I think you could argue either case with Corey. Unless we get another couple of decent players in our chances of silverware look remote. Under that scenario why not give him plenty game time?
But with more reinforcement it might not be the wisest choice as it might jeopardise whatever hopes we might have. I think he'll be a season away from being genuine SL quality as are most of the youngsters who begin to feature regularly but at some point we have to give him that step up, much as we did with Newman and Walker.

Think we need more than a couple to be anywhere near silverware anyway.

Top six represents a reasonable improvement for us I reckon.

Top 6 and out of relegation trouble well before halfway mark will be progress after last few seasons

Agreed. We cant expect silverware given where we've been. I'll he happy with 6th or higher personally. As long as we're improving and heading in the right direction that'll do me for next year. I still have major reservations over Agar but I'll be delighted to be proved wrong.

Can you imagine the pre-season meeting with the players, "Right lads, this year we're aiming for 6th".

Top 5 will be the aim I would expect.

Top 3 should be aim, but i would settle for anywhere in top 5

If we keep a nearly fully squad, importantly key players like Hurrell Gale and ward and props, think this is very achievable.

I would expect next year balance of power will shift back this side if the pennines, can see Leeds Cas Hull (flatter to deceive to often) all being top 5-6

This squad is 5th/6th at best & thats with a lot of luck injury wise imo.

Yes the coach will motivate them I still them with self belief , because that's his job,but in reality its top 5 or 6

Just seen team announced for Boxing Day if it stays like that should give us an early indication of what we might be like and for once in many years will give us value for money!!
Well gone Mr Agar for using all pre season games as you should do. Big changes from Big Macs days in charge

I understand where you're coming from with this prediction, but given the number of new faces it's going to be difficult to predict how the team will go until we see them on the field in a competitive game, IMO.

For me there's a lot more to a successful season than where they finish in the table. Finishing in 5th or 6th could still be a good year for us if a) we're consistently away from the relegation zone, b) we demonstrate a capability to beat the top sides, if not on a consistent basis, and c) there are signs that promising young players are given time to develop and build up experience in the first team. Notwithstanding the team's need to be given time to gel, I'd also say that finishing 5th or 6th would be disappointing if a) we're routinely getting stuffed by the top sides, b) we're reliant on beating weaker teams, c) the team is solely dependent on the efforts of senior players, and d) we spend decent spells of the season flirting with relegation.

Let's face it - a few more wins at crucial moments last year and we could easily have finished 6th, and that would not have made the season much more enjoyable.

I'd take 5th If lots of youngsters are blooded.
still 2 props and a winger short for me

What does Agar have to achieve to keep his job this season then? I agree with many that it's likely mid table at best with a possible flirt with relegation again depending on whether we have a whipping boy or not, but if we end up spending at or on the full cap then anything less than a play off spot is deemed a failure.

I guess the fare on offer is important too; it's been in the main dreadful to watch for several seasons now.

he would have to come close to winning something. finalists in either cup. cull the last remaining players, blood youngsters, get a top class coach in for 2021 and Agar can return to his original job having done what's been asked of him and his reputation enhanced.

Playoffs or 6th with positive signs of progress at worst to keep his job imo. Anything less his job should be on the line.

The golden period we've been spoiled ,but the disappointment about that coming to an end for me is we didn't stay in touch . K want to look forward to my Friday night Rugby again . I'm know we're not going to win anything ,but would like to see us have a decent run .4th would good ,but 5 th or 6th

Jeez, no optimism on here then!
Personally I think we are already miles better off than than this time last year. With a classy centre and another second row for cover think we should be looking to make a final this year.
We spend too cap and are the best supported team with best stadium in SL too. We gotta be aiming for some silverware next year. The standard of SL isn't very high, doesn't take much to turn things around.......

I noticed Agar mentioned warm weather trainong in Southern Spain early January.

I think the team lacks pace which is a concern for me and is the pack big enough? Not so sure.

I agree, we aren’t big enough to go through teams and we aren’t pacey enough to go round them either.

You need a certain amount of go forward, and to not give away silly penalties, so you have a chance to win the territory battle. However we've moved on from the one dimensional Bradford brute force, and a well marshalled defence means pace alone isn't enough. Its nouse that unpicks defenses!

Absolutely agree. Only Walker with any real long range strike. Newman may get there but a way off yet

Be nice if we could put the odd side to the sword and move away from every game being a battle (or us being put to the sword!). That'd ease the pressure and make life a bit easier. To do that we need yardage, we need improved defence and we need better direction and kicking. That's a lot of improvement and it's difficult to be confident that all last season's weaknesses have been addressed.