[url=http://www.sang-et-or.net/readarticle.php?article_id=797Preview[/url

Your comments welcome. Am I too pessimistic?

I wouldnt say too pesemistic, Its hard to look forward after some of what happened last season, over the last couple of years I reckon that the expectation of the dragons has been too high, bit of a victim of the relative sucess of 07 and 08, It will be nice to go into the season with lower expectations for me, not only that but a number of top line french players have had a pre-season for the 1st time in a number of years, possibly since the beginning so Im sure the likes of Bosc will benefit from that.

You seemed a bit down in your comments in RL World this month

I thought that too.

Not being a purchaser of aforementioned periodical, what were those comments?

Evening all, thanks for the preview John, interesting your views on Huddersfield, i've also got those guys as having potential to win a trophy this year. Here's my thoughts on a couple of your signings for the year, for what there worth.

Dureau- I think will go well in Super League. Newcastle knights fans have always been a little down on him so wouldn't read too much into the criticism from there quarters, the lad can actually play, with ball in hand he is an accomplished half, very skillful and creative and a nice kicking game. Pretty poor defender though but shouldn't get exposed as much as he has in the NRL in that department and I think he'll be more suited to Super League. I think he'll turn into a nice signing, will certainly make for a very creative partnership with Bosc and you should see a nice brand with these 2 pulling the strings.

Farrar- I think you have picked up and absolute gem here. Young guy in the peak of his career. Played great last year for Manly deputizing for Brett Stewart at the back. Wouldn't surprise me if this guy lights up Super League and becomes one of if not the top centres in the competition. Also provides you with a great deal of versatility. Reminds me of the Greenshields signing a few years back in that the guy comes to Super League a little unheralded yet in the peak of his career and just about to breakout.

Blanch- Sounds like your a little underwhelmed. But the more you see of him the more you'll be impressed. Outstanding finisher and great work ethic, not shy of getting involved in bringing the ball away from your own line and is pretty handy out of Dummy half. Has a good play the ball too, you'll find he'll get your sets off to a nice quick start from which your big guys should be able to capitalize on and punch a few holes on the back off.

Dont know alot about the coach or Batieri. Presumably he must be able to play if the coach has brought him in from where he previously coached.

Cheers

Yeah, I take the points you make. He had a good World Cup and is all those things you say. It just feels like a signing for the sake of it. Solid and reliable, but hardly a player that people will flock from miles around to watch. Perhaps we've been spoiled with the internationals/Origin stars we've had in the past.

I think thats it myself.

To paraphrase (as I have lost in packing to move house) we were poor in 2010, would stay poor in 2011, and that our signings werent very good...







...apart from Baitieri.

Ah, I remember. A cryptic e-mither from CMR way back when now makes a lot of sense. Didn't realise my words were going in a Sadler publication or I'd have told him to eff right off.

Fair enough, theres no doubt you have been treated to some high class signings over the years. I think you will be pleasantly surprised with a few of these guys when there settled. Time will tell. All the best for the upcoming season.