Most importantly let’s see where we are at the 9 game point
Tells us all we need to know

The barometer.

It will certainly be an interesting game no doubt especially as the first meaningful game being the season opener. For me looking at the two possible teams I think across the board we do have the better 17. Whilst its a ground we have struggled on over the years we had success there last season, we have a settled HB pairing where as they have a new one which should be an advantage to us but could go either way and then the weather/conditions may well also have a say the outcome.

Whether Leeds are one of the big 4 or not AP has put a squad together that is a very good squad and more than a match for any other SL team. I know this does not mean we can expect to win every game etc but we should be more than able to hold our own and if I'm honest do think we have a good opportunity to get a win at Headingley.

Sounds like Fonua may be the one to miss out next Sunday, 3 weeks behind everyone else on fitness, according to LR.

If he's not fully fit leave him out. We have enough backs to cover him. Maybe target HKR for him. But again if a doubt leave him out

Well that would solve Radfords problem with Connor/Kelly using Connor at right centre which for me is his best position.
Use Tuimavave at left centre for his defence which leaves Josh Griffin on the bench.
No doubt heavy pitch so having Griffin covering as a replacement second row or back i think is the best option

Total RL writers not expecting us to pull up any trees.

[urlhttps://www.totalrl.com/totalrl-writers-give-their-super-league-predictions/[/url

Average placing between 5 and 6, so consistent with RLW. Makes sense.

Does everyone agree with the writers predictions of 5/6?

I think people are under estimating our recruitment, we could have possibly the best half back options in the league, as well as one of the best second rows and backs . I think if Bowden can get back to where he was were strong all over the park.

Saints, wigan, warrington will all do well.

Leeds need a big season but has there recruitment been enough?

Catalans are Catalans they flatter to decieve soon as the going gets tough they lose their heads, same every season.

Salford will mot repeat last season

Castleford will be weaker than last season in my opinion

I think top 4 should definatley be the aim

No I don’t agree with the placings. St’s, Wigan & Warrington are the ones to catch to an extent but do think our recruitment has been top drawer. Yes we may be one experienced prop short but as you say if Bowden can recapture the form previously along with Masi, Fash, Savelio, Ellis and the emergence of Brown we should be ok. The likes of Ma’u, Jones & Sao with the choice of Fonua/Griffin/Connor/Tuimavave & Faraimo/Naulago/Swift will certainly take some stopping.
We really do have a strong squad and options this season. Leeds have a lot to prove yet and not sure they have improved enough in terms of squad to be back up there with Agar at the helm. Cas I think have slipped back a little from where they were. Catalans well who knows one minute look world beaters then look awful. Salford will struggle to repeat last season with Hastings & Jones missing.
I’d be disappointed in anything less than 4th and think AP wants more than that to repay the investment in the squad from what he’s said so he must believe it’s capable of achieving.

League Weekly writers a little more confident in our chances

The only one putting us outside the top 4 is Andrew Voss - he also has rovers in 7th, 5 places higher than everybody else!
I wonder who he supports.

I'm sure the club will be aiming for a top 5 finish.

I agree we have a strong squad.
If we did have another top prop, then I think our weakest link would then be 9 and 1. I don't think Houghton and Shaul have been playing as well as they can, but that may now change with the new players we now have.

We need a bit of luck with injuries, cut out the silly errors and giving away stupid penalties at crucial times.
We need to play as a team, win our home games and beat the teams below us.

They will be aiming for silverware, not mediocrity.

A top 5 finish and silverware aren't mutually exclusive.

They are if you set low ambitions.

The ambitions could be to finish 5th and win the GF from there with the cup already in the bag.

possibly, enjoy the season.

I agree with your point re 1 & 9 but think with thevadditions of Ma’u & Jones along with Sao we have much more punch and will help to create opportunities for the likes of our 1 & 9 to take advantage on the back of the holes that will appear.

With the addition of Purtill that should also have an influence on the improvement in the use of 1 & 9. Interesting to read Connors praise for Purtill in the HDM too.

I've read through most media outlets and we're predicted to finish anywhere between 3rd and 7th.

A real scattergun approach but that's probably based upon our constant inconsistency, fix that and we should be competing at the top end.

Sky sports predictor vote currently has us to finish 4th.

We need to really toughen up at the KCOM.
Chance to lay down an early marker with the visits of our neighbours followed by the champions early doors.

Is that even possible? I thought it was top4 or has the playoff format changed again?

Changed to 5 last season IIRC

I was probably so dejected by that stage I didn't notice