Apparently we will open next year's MW playing Widnes.

20 May @ 2-30 pm, St James Park

Just seen that on Northstanders

Could turn out to be a big game that come the final positions.

I can see Leeds being back in top 8 meaning someone will miss out, but I think Huddersfield may take longer to turn things around.

It could be between us and Widnes for final top 8 spot, provided we sort our props and hooker

Pretty sure Salford and Leigh will have a say as well.

Will be incredibly tough to get top eight this season but I'm an eternal optimist.

I'm sure they will but feel that with Leigh it will be pretty much a whole new squad just about, which it may take time for them to gel, so could be playing catch up on a few clubs.

Marwan did state that Salford will be operating on a reduced budget in 2017, so would expect a couple of big names to leave.

On the other hand with us, we aren't making too many changes in what I would call our first choice 17, and the main additions to the 17 so far that I see is Brown and Williams which in my eyes would impove that of last season. Like I say we just need to get the right props and hooker in

Every team is going to be pushing for the top 8 this season as I think that KR dropping was a reality check for all clubs (bar Wakey who were faced with it last year)

I do think that Widnes is the best fixture we could have hoped for though, they're fairly evenly matched to us

It does seem the RFL has decided who will be next year's top 8. The fixtures released are 1v2, 3v4 before it switches to 5 v Leeds & 6 v Huddersfield then reverts to 7v8 and 11v12 for the opening rounds on Saturday and Sunday. They are probably correct but it doesn't seem right to interfere with the natural order of things. But then, I suppose if that mattered at all, the Magic Weekend would not exist.

Hotel booked bring it on.

Me too. cant wait. Love my Newcastle visits.

It's not 11 v 12 though - Leigh finished 2nd in the middle 8s so it's 10 v 12

Practically a home game for me! Can't wait. Will drag a few locals along for an education as well.

As only interest in our household for this for 2017, then we will be going, but I think only going up for the day.

Will though be going to Blackpool bash, providing no fixture clashes. Hopefully for the one and only time