I'm surprised about Leeds and Catalans as well. Otherwise the odds seem to be about right.

Something new for pre-match this season

[urlhttps://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/hull-fc-confirm-new-resident-9069626[/url

Next CEO once Clarkey moves on?

25/1 Get your money on

From "good afternoon West Stand" to promotion to the CEO did raise a few eyebrows

Reading the latest article it hasn't and doesn't fill me with much confidence in regards to the 9 spot. Reading the comments from Smith in the article for me its quite concerning that it does actually seem as though it will yet again be a case of either flogging Houghton for 80 mins (or as long as possible) or Cator being the interchange 9. Really do fail to see any genuine positive with that when we have Morgan Smith & Balmforth, who for me would a better option for that role and give us some threat and creativity we lack. We have been poor for far too long and during that time we have persisted continually with Houghton for 80mins or moved someone else as a stand in 9 until last season. Admittedly Dwyer wasn't great for us overall, though think that was more down to him playing like a headless chicken most of the time, however it did show what a difference it made to us having someone at 9/dummy half with a bit of flair and speed.

I really hope I have misread the situation with the article but fear I haven't and if that is Smiths grand plan then I don't actually hold out a lot of hope of seeing much in the way of improvement.

Certainly wouldn't have been my first choice having Cator as backup. I'm wondering if there's more to Balmforth not getting game time apart from this shoulder injury. Only thinking aloud but maybe his fitness isn't still up to scratch? Smith sees these guys every day so I have faith in his judgement.

Think it was obvious when Houghton was made captain he'd be starting most games and used for as many minutes as possible this season. Whilst he still does have a lot to offer at 9, I don't think playing him at 13 adds any value to us as a team, better for him just to have a rest on the bench rather than chopping and changing mid game

Lewis Martin, Litten and Scott options for the wing according to Smith in HDM.

While Scott has always tried his best he's not a natural winger. Hoping Martin gets his chance.

Well i'm ever the optimist and hopeful for a much improved season.

A younger squad, bigger pack and some players with points to prove bodes well for what's to come.
As Smith alluded to in his recent league express interview, having a much younger squad as seen a much more intense pre season.

Signings wise, Walker and Nu Brown are quality additions. Although only Doncaster, Tindall and Smith both looked very good and think they'll both prove to be astute signings.
Ashworth certainly has the talent and it's great to hear that he's moved over to Hull and he certainly seems to have the bit between his teeth to get his career back on track.

Excited by the NRL signings. Ese Ese is a quality player and Pele and Okunbor again seem determined to make their mark.

Really looking forward to seeing a big pack once again after the last few seasons.

We only really had Satae and Griffin last season who brought us some impact.
Sao didn't have a pre season so never really got going. Taylor was playing busted and was never really fully fit. Savelio when he could be bothered was a handful but just wasn't consistent and we all know his attitude issues.

So, although i think we'll just miss out on the six, i'm confident we'll be much improved. COYH

Do we know what round we’re expecting Trueman back? The club weren’t ruling him out for start of season so surely he’s got to be in the last 4-6 weeks of rehab

Looking to be back for sometime in March.

especially as it looks like Balmforth will be playing in an arranged reserve fixure several days later.
Like most sports you have to accept that the manager/coach has players in his squad that he either doesnt like or rate as a player.
I dont think its fitness with Balmforth i think the coach simply doesnt rate him

me too but Smith does have a square pegs in round holes mentality so no surprise if Scott plays on the wing

Well he gave him a contract extension so he must rate his potential at least.

more likely to see if we can get a fee if he moves on

Pretty sure he got a 1 year extension triggered so his contract will be up at the end of the season so that makes no sense.

Balmforth picked up a knock and sadly hasn’t shaken it off. Just unlucky but smith made a point of saying we’re actively looking for a friendly to get him some game time.

If fit Balmforth would 100% be playing this weekend I reckon. What shocks me is that Staveley can’t seem to get any minutes.

I remember, last year at home he came off the bench at the end of the game against cas I think. In the 15 minutes he got he made more metres and had a better impact than lane did all game. The next week he was out of the team.

Wigan pretty much at full strength less Miski.

It'll be a good test of where we are.

Be interesting to see if Pele and Ese'ese can stand up to that Wigan pack

Smith extended Balmforth's contract and was then one of tbe players he singled out for praise after the Donny game. Im sure he does rate him. But if his shoulder is not quite right then no point taking risks before the season has even started.

As for the wing spot. Scott would do a job if asked, and if nothing else he is a big strong guy to do the hard yards in the exit sets. But he definitely doesn't have the pace to be a food winger. Litten would also be a safe choice, but again its not his position. I hope he picks Martin. He has some genuine x factor about him, even if he is still raw.

Agree with everything here. Wigans squad is unbelievable. Itll be good to benchmark us against the best in the comp. Hopefully the result is close. And hopefully it’s a sell out for tag

Severs gone on loan to York, hopefully he'll get some regular game time

Its the pace in their team that bothers me

It's gonna bother a lot. They do look very good

Wigan will do what Saints have done recently. If they keep that team together can see them going back to back, if not a 3peat

Are FC offering a streaming service for Sunday? Wigan are streaming it live via Wigan TV