Off Topic & just FYI sorry to interrupt but we're running our annual charity predictions comp over on the Wakefield Forum, now in its 13th year: viewtopic.php?f=33&t=627550 This year we're raising money for the [iRob Burrow[/i fund and the [iMose Masoe [/ifund. Everyone is welcome if interested, just a simple pick a winner format. Good luck for the season ahead Cheers

Off Topic & just FYI sorry to interrupt but we're running our annual charity predictions comp over on the Wakefield Forum, now in its 13th year: viewtopic.php?f=33&t=627550 This year we're raising money for the [iRob Burrow[/i fund and the [iMose Masoe [/ifund. Everyone is welcome if interested, just a simple pick a winner format. Good luck for the season ahead Cheers

Quote ="Mild Rover"It’s good to some positivity from Tony Smith here: https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... im-3787262 There are some familiar themes from previous seasons - building for the future, playing a more expansive game and not getting drawn into the arm wrestle, giving their best even though that won’t necessarily mean winning - and we all know it didn’t always work out too well previously. I want to be optimistic, and maybe this time will be different, but equally we have to be realistic. It is a new team (and after some of the performances last year it probably needed to be) and it’ll take a while to gel, when i don’t think we can afford a slow start. See where we are 6 in or 8 weeks, I guess.'" I usually read the first as "our first team will struggle so we're aiming for 11th", the second as "we're going to lose games until the summer then I hope we'll run rings round teams" and the third as "we've an underpowered pack". Would that be fair?

Quote ="Mild Rover"It’s good to some positivity from Tony Smith here: https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... im-3787262 There are some familiar themes from previous seasons - building for the future, playing a more expansive game and not getting drawn into the arm wrestle, giving their best even though that won’t necessarily mean winning - and we all know it didn’t always work out too well previously. I want to be optimistic, and maybe this time will be different, but equally we have to be realistic. It is a new team (and after some of the performances last year it probably needed to be) and it’ll take a while to gel, when i don’t think we can afford a slow start. See where we are 6 in or 8 weeks, I guess.'" I usually read the first as "our first team will struggle so we're aiming for 11th", the second as "we're going to lose games until the summer then I hope we'll run rings round teams" and the third as "we've an underpowered pack". Would that be fair?

Certainly that is how it has turned out in the past, and the fear it that history repeats.

The hope is that Smith’s blend is different... somehow.

I feel obliged not to talk us down before our season kicks off, but you can’t help but worry based what has happened when we’ve tried similar previously. A major mitigating factor this time - there was no feasible alternative.

Its all a bit of a give us a clue at the start of the season for absolutely everybody, we went to London 1st game of last season with a full squad of 1st choices and got splattered.
We're light in the pack, missing some 1st choices and playing a few niggles so anything could happen.
Its really a waste of time trying to analyse anything when you have sweet FA game time to assess and create an opinion from.
I'd like to think we'll be able to repeat the feat of a few weeks ago now it actually means something, but its all up in the air for both teams tbh.

Who’s the bookies favourite for relegation ?

Well tonight will give us an idea of how where we are, both clubs not expected to need metal polish for the trophy cabinate. There again no one gave Salford a chance to make the play offs either. Just a bit worried that we don’t seem to have a replacement for Mose. I suppose that big impact players will be already employed so we will be stuck with someone else’s third choice at best? Or we will have to take a gamble on a prospect. Whatever I will be there following the team when I can. Just have to trust in Smithy!

With regards to a replacement for Mose. I would imaging that the club will look overseas in which case they will have to wait until the end of the season in Australia, unless anyone in the 2nd grade who is highly rated becomes available. Other than that the only other alternative is looking for a big up and coming forward in the national league but which would likely involve a fee. It's difficult at the moment but lets hope the young guns can step up to the plate and surprise us all, at least long enough to allow for a couple of longer term injured first team players to return.

Not getting carried away but that must be a nice little confidence boost for the team and fans alike.

Very well played for a first competitive game. Defense looks far better of seasons past! Well done Boys.

Really pleasing first hit out and despite a fair few mistakes we looked more cohesive than I expected after watching the friendlies.
Our obvious weaknesses will be exposed by the big boys but if we can replicate that work rate and desire on a weekly basis we will win enough games to be safe.

Was surprised how poor Wakefield were but like us they have a few missing so I'm not sure that was a fair reflection of what they have to offer.

Good result. Two points that are in the bag but more important a lot of confidence gained by the squad despite a few unforced errors. They will have a bit more confidence in the plan laid out by the coach. Roll on next week.

We need to work on cutting out the simple mistakes - Hull may punish us for them next week.

For me the biggest thing was they looked like a TEAM rather than individuals told to play in certain positions and styles. THAT is 100% Tony Smith.

Well done to all the players let’s keep it up onward we go

Good result for you guys, games against Wakefield (and taking the points) will be worth 4 points when the end of season comes, Salgord looked pretty poor last night, but it is early adys, but I think you'll do OK.

I composed a lengthy piece about the game then realised I hadn't added anything of value to what you had already expressed with such admirable brevity.

Well said!

Does it?

Don’t tempt fate.

Wakey fan wrote exactly the same last week. I actually don't think we look that bad with Parcell,Hauraki and Hadley to cone back in plus hopefully an impact prop? The pack and back 5 is work in progress but relatively happy with them. I worry about 6 and 7 .Brierley looked sharp but I'm far from convinced with both Abdull and Ellis. Ok Abdull was good for Broncos but that partnership wasn't great in the Championship let alone SL.Hoping Lewis or Dagger get a shot at some point but unlikely with what's at stake.

I don't think you've recruited too badly overall in the close season.

All the best for 2020, but not at our expense.