Washy back in full training and available for the Wigan game (HDM)

40 mins against fev would be good for him.

Excellent news, he was outstanding for us last season and should be the starting 13 imo.

do you think he'll play? with no friendlys left i'd have guessed a hit out in the reserves (if their season starts soon) with burnett playing in the back row after his good friendly performances.

Depends on his fitness, same question could be asked of Berro and Tony.

To be honest this season can't be any worse than the last few when for one reason or another we have flattered to deceive.
This season I am fairly confident we will do well if we stay fairly injury free.
Thorman & Horne gelling and becoming a great pairing is going to be key to our season (if our forwards to their job) along with Berrigan in his best position.

And what happens when one of them has the inevitable lay-off through injury ?? Tommy Lee again ???

Our pack doing it's job is based on lots of hard work and application but with very little go-forward. If Thackray can avoid injury and if Moa or Malony (or both) can prove to be good signings, we have a chance but there are too many "ifs" for me and I keep ending up at the fact that we are probably three quality players short of a proper tilt at silverware.

I really hope I'm wrong.

Burnett deserves a chance but i think he will miss out as we are strong in the back row ATM with Tickle, Manu, Radford and Washbrook

I really dont get why people are so down with coming season!! After last season there is only upwards to go and for that there is no real expectations for the team. which i believe will be so beneficial for the team cos so many times we have thrown to high a expection onto them!. I personally think top 6 is well within our reach. come on you Hulla

1 Motu
2 Calderwood
3 G.Horne
4 Yeaman
5 Briscoe
6 R.Horne
7 Thorman
8 Cusack
9 Berrigan
10 King
11 Radford
12 Manu
13Tickle

14 Dowes
15 Thackray
16 Houghton
17 Burnett

seriously weak bench NOT!!
I think thats a decent side to be honest , one thing is for sure we have a ton more options going forrard

Its a bit depressing that the top six is seen as an achievement, though, given we finished 2nd in 2006.

True but we as a team have only progressed a little since then where as others have taken strides forward!! 2008 has knocked our progression back 2 years!! Still i think were gonna shock a hell of alot of people this year!!

1.Byrne
2.Calderwood
3.Yeaman
4.Hall
5.Briscoe
6.Horne
7.Thorman
8.Dowes
9.Berrigan
10.Cusack
11.Tickle
12.Radford
13.Washbrook
14.Houghton
15.Manu
16 King
17.Thackray

Looking at the paper today, apart from G Horne in place of Hall I think that will be the team. Against a wigan team that are all about power (typical Noble team) then I think that this is the correct team. Shame for Hall who has looked good in preseason, but think Agar will correctly go for the safe option.

From HDM

Pretty much sums it up for me.

Agar won't take any risks on young players coz his job is on the line if it goes wrong. I often wonder how Hull would have handled the likes Burrows and McGuire had they been on their books as youngsters.

you mean like cooke n horne

Ouch

Fair point.

But maybe Burrows to wing and McGuire to full-back???

I do get your point though, but i guess its easier for Leeds & saints to blood the youngsters

Burrows and mcguire didn't even play for leeds till they were nineteen/twenty. Our youngsters (who are good enough) have always had a chance as soon as they are ready.

After last seasons fiasco it is hardly surprising he wants to start the campaign with experience and take the safe option, maybe if we get on a good roll he will then start looking at utilising options. I for one do not blame him.

I remember seeing Burrow make is debut in an evening game against Hull at Headingley when it was belting it down with rain. he covered for an injured Ryan Sheridan that night. That particular game, Hull won and it cost Dean Lance his job.

He did get MOTM for Leeds that night though

, Hull have shown that they will blood the youngsters when they are ready.

Against Wigan and looking at the conditions for Friday night I think they have made the correct decison about playing Byrne and G Horne at FB and in the centre.

Hall will get plenty of chances this season.

Agree we need to build confidence after last season not put youngsters under more pressure from the start of the season.