I'd go with

1 Mathers
2 Fox
3 Collis
4 Smith or Kienhorst
5 Briscoe
6 Sykes
7 Godinet
8 Moore
9 McShane
10 Smith
11 Lauititi
12 Kirmond
13 Washbrook

14 Wildie
15 Anderson
16 Raleigh
17 Ryan

I'm swayed by the new recruits over Walshaw but would be happy enough if he played
I also wonder about Trout really as he has featured a lot in preseason, but I haven't actually seen him myself

I'd go with Poptart's apart from swop Dan Smith and Raleigh

I'll put the same team I put on the "New Lads" thread

Mathers

Fox
Collis
Briscoe (I can't see Lee Smith still being here and Briscoe seems to have played Centre in the friendlies)
Lyne (Not too sure about this one, but again it has looked like the preferred option in the friendlies)

Sykes
Godinet

Raleigh
McShane
Dan Smith (has looked like one of our best players in the friendlies IMO)
Ryan
Kirmond
Washbrook (Can't see him not getting the gig thanks to his defence)


Wildie
Moore
Lauitiiti (I'd rather see Ali coming off the bench than trying to make an impact against fresh players)
Anderson


Walshaw and Trout have both done OK in warm ups but I just can't see them being ahead of the overseas players if they're anything like fit.

Forwards looking good with Tautai and Annakin to come in. Plenty of size so we shouldn't get bullied. Bit worried we won't have any magic to break through if kirmond and Ali are not on the pitch

I thin kGodinet will give us an extra "breakthrough point" that we haven't had before. I'm looking forward to seeing him with ball in hand.

I hope Kirmond, Ali and Ryan will be targeting Smith in defense. I don't wish him any harm but clearly he is a weak link in defense for them.

I'd run at him and chase all day. Tire them out so ineffective on attack. Just like Some team did to tuigamala on a sky match years ago when he was destroying teams.

Although they may have done it to Tuigamala, I'm thinking Feka was the one who was most exposed. He was awesome and one team spots him and he just fell away for the whole season.

What's up with Tautai, injured?

yeah, running at Smith and Chase has to be the ploy - both god awful defenders and it'll only pee them off

Walshaw must play.
Whats up with Tautai ? other than he can`t pass or catch and thinks he can kick and the bones in his hands are made of glass not alot, Oh and he braids his hair.

Dave I will bow to your greater knowledge on Chase but I had him down as one of the best defensive halfbacks in the game. Everyone knows his attacking play is brilliant but I always thought his strong defensive qualities were often overlooked.

haha, so he's not injured atleast

if that's your opiion mate fair enough



from watching him every week, he does tackle well above his weight, you're right... But structurally, he's a bugger for shooting up out the line, and we all know he can be a bit hot-headed when things aren't running well for him.

he's a class act and I think he would edge Smith in defence but, I'd certainly keep him busy in the line and get into him at every opportunity.

It'll be interesting to see how he (andCas) go next year without the Tigers being "the one-man rangi band"



hopefully both will do better

The difference is Chase will give it a go and sometimes gets it wrong with head high or shooting out of line. Good tactics can play on that.

Smith will probably stand to the side and let you go but if the team know that they cover him so it's argueable which is worse.

I mainly ony see wakefield on highlights, and I could cry when I watch Smith back out of a tackle... I guess I don't see the other 9/10 plays where this isn't costly.

I get what you're saying. To me then, the approach would be to run at Chase to try gain field position, then target SMith in the attacking 20.

....easy game this rugby league

Dont think we should be overloading our players with to many tactics Dave. From watching the pre season games they first have to understand that you are allowed to catch the ball on the full from the kick off, thats its a good idea to try and retain poscession of the ball when in your own half, that if you tackle round the legs its difficult for your opponent to move forward. I really beleive that collectively our players simply do not understand that the game is all about field position and possession. Keep it simple.

come on mate, surely they can't be that bad... I think they will struggle like hell personally - 12-17 points would be my guess - but I don't think they're inept...

Dependant on our imports turning up in good shape I'd go with..

Mathers
Fox
Collis
L. Smith if here if not Keinhorst
Briscoe
Sykes
Godinet
Tautai
Mcshane
Raleigh
Kirmond
Lauitiiti
Washbrook

Subs.
Anderson
D.Smith
Ryan or Walshaw
Wildie

has (will) everygone got (get) there clearance ? hope to see you all in good numbers on the 16th , don`t forget the parachute regiments red devils will be dropping in pre match , hopefully they will be the only devils you`ll enjoy watching that day , enjoy the season , good luck

I went back to the clinic yesterday and although there is still a bit of a rash, the doc gave me the all clear to come over next week, so assuming it doesn't flare up again, I should be there.
So nice of you to ask though...

no probs i`ll be waiting at birch services with hm customs bring your doctors note for clarification or your not getting your visa stamped :0)

Big week for Rich. Picking a team from a not ideal pre season. Game called off and imports arriving the week before the first game. He will no doubt be looking at a few things with the imports. A What shape they are in. B Can they adapt to the patterns of play/moves in offence in this first week. C Is it worth sticking them into a fierce first game if not fully fit for injuries etc.

For me we certainly need another pivot playing so hopefully Godinet is ready. Think this is the most important. We need big strong props so secondly I'd like Anderson to play but we do have cover. Matt Ryan is the position we least need to rush, that is if he does play second row. Although I'm looking forward to seeing Matt rip it up we do have Kirmond, Ali, Annakin, Tauti who can fill that position.

I'm sure Rich will be watching whose putting it in, in training as well as matches. Something we don't see. As its a big opening game with the spotlight certainly on Koukash merry men, does Rich go for experience who have handled big games or give others who haven't played first team as much like some of the youngsters.

I couldn't pick a team because I have only watched Fev game as I was away for Hunslet. However from last season and Fev I would like Annakin to force a regular spot. Would also like to see Wildie back himself from dummy half a lot more, making yards like Roby/burrow etc when the markers aren't in position. He's nippy and quite strong for his size. A great kid.

Whatever team we put out, good luck boys....

Sadly Mick, you won't be seeing Annakin do that for a few games at least as he is out injured.

My Team
Mathers
Fox
Collis
Keinhorst
Briscoe (Salford have built a big back line so we can't carry too many weak D players)
Sykes
Godinet (let him just play, he won't know the system so just give him some freedom)
Moore
McShane
Tautai (Raleigh doesn't look over his op yet, give him another week before starting him)
Kirmond
Ryan
Washbrook (would have gone for Anakin)

Wildie
Lauitiiti
D Smith
Raleigh

Salford Fans forum predicting that we will be thumped by about 20 points this weekend! viewtopic.php?f=20&t=564254&tsmp=1392064021&start=10

Salford Fans forum predicting that we will be thumped by about 20 points this weekend! viewtopic.php?f=20&t=564254&tsmp=1392064021&start=10