Just listened to BA's presser. First I've seen of him since the end of last season.

Not gonna lie, he seemed pretty grumpy, and didn't come across like someone loving their job and looking forward to the season. Might be wrong, but my gut says he won't be hear beyond this coming season.

I didn't get that vibe? More someone who is utterly focused on what he's doing. A lot of his discussion is about raising standards, and it sounds like the training is just getting harder. Hopefully we'll start the season strong - I'm cautiously optimistic.

The only thing he mentioned that was slightly negative was perhaps wanting a few more squad players. The upside is that younger players will have to fill the gaps.

To look anything other than grumpy while having to address that bunch of rag tag journos would be impressive. Cant we go back to live in person press conferences, the zoom ones are just bloody awful.

In fact, let the lot pod lads take it over, it'd be much better than seeing someone deliver questions slumped over his steering wheel or the camera staring up Peter Smiths nose with his lunch still round his mouth.

What a terrifying and graphic image.

It was also interesting to hear how much longer players in Australia have for pre season which I hadn`t really appreciated until now.
We have 5 or 6 weeks before a pre season game and they have something like 10 or 12 weeks.
Maybe our pre season should be longer and do away with some of the loop fixtures.

The clubs can't afford it.

The standard of questions are shocking. There's absolutely no detail to the questions they're asking. No asking about style of play, tactics, changes from last season, roles of Langley and Walker etc.

Maybe we should expand the league to 14 clubs and run from mid Feb to end of October with the WCC at the end of the current season as opposed to the following season?

i agree. best 14 clubs, no relegation. let clubs build. it would mean sharing the money so never going to happen.

Exactly. There won't be a 14 team league until central revenue increases

Yep. couldn't agree more. it's like a vicious circle, it won't change so it won't get better.. eventually it all decays away over time like it has been doing for the last 10 or so years

Holroyd number 25 for Boxing Day. Has there been a fall out?

Shirt numbers not announced until after the game.

I’m fully aware of that but seems odd that Holyroyd is 25 for the match when 3-4 players have lower numbers and have yet to play SL. Probably nothing in it as Newman is 21.

Needs a big season Holroyd.

Looked the business early doors but has had some rotten luck with injuries and faded badly.
Hopefully under Arthur he can have a real breakout season and a good run of spelled games.

Speaking of which, real shame for Edgell breaking his jaw especially with Miller out

Likely means Ash to fullback you would have thought.

Or lumb if Arthur wants to keep Handley and Connor in positions they're more likely to be in come round one.

Sam lisone looking nice and trim.

[quote="Seth":1c6ysefq]Or lumb if Arthur wants to keep Handley and Connor in positions they're more likely to be in come round one.[/quote:1c6ysefq] I'd love to see Lumb given a run there. His speed could be a great asset. Unfortunate for young Alfie, but he'll come again.

Connor starting FB, Joe Diskin steps up to bench

Are the McCormack's injured. Wouldn't have minded seeing Ned at full back.

Decent first half, poor second Dont think any of the kids will be happy with their performance, but the bigger concern is the total lack of physical development, looks like they havnt been in a gym since leaving the scholorship 12 month ago

Decent first half. Lots of the first team looking really fit. Mik looked a real specimen and was leading our kick chase. It was really nice to see our halves bossing the game rather than Cam.