There is always pressure on us as champions to win every match, and quite rightly so. But there will be big expectations on the Hull side, how many false dawns have they had in recent seasons. But with Ellis in the side and no major problems they are fully expecting big things, pehraps even a win this Friday . I would think we should have enough skill and commitment to overcome hull, but I don't think it will be easy.

During the SL Era it's happened twice in seventeen seasons. Both times at Headingley, both times to 18 - 22 results.

V Warrington in 1996 and V Wakefield in 2000. (Leeds also lost a week one fixture at home to Castleford in 2010 but Leeds had already opened their season with a week 4 win at the Racecourse Ground - brought forward to create space for the WCC.)

Hull's opening round record is Won 7, Lost 6 with 2 Draws.

Leeds have only met Hull once in the opening round of a SL season (2005 - when they arrived at the KC Stadium as World Club Champions for the first time in their history) and came away with a damp, hard-fought 16 - 12 victory.

I really hope McShane gets a regular lengthy opportunity to perform as the weekly interchange player this season (at least as much as Lunt). .....with Hood stepping up if either Burrow or McShane get injured.

And I know I sound like a broken record but Singleton should at least be ahead of Kirke this season for a prop position.

In fact I would put Ryan Hall ahead of Kirke for same position

Hardaker

Vickery
Watkins
Moon
Hall

Sinfield
Mags

Peacock
Burrow
Bailey
Jjb
Delaney
Ablett

Bench
ACHURCH
Griffin
Mcshane
Clarkson

Knowing my predictive powers the above team. Will be nothing like the one we field. Really looking forward to the new season. Hull look a lot better team than last year

For what it's worth I agree totally with your 17 here

(Belated congratulations by the way on the new additions to your family... how soon can you indoctrinate them into the relgion of Leeds Rhinos? )

Congrats.

My mini-me has just turned a year old. If I can do it, anyone can!

As for your lack of sleep, sounds like you are doing your fair share. Just do what I do and don't. You won't see bags under my eyes.

Classic, fresh, BB.

I agree with you to a certain extent, but I think last year saw Kirke with a bigger role in the 17, and Peacock a more reduced one. He's obviously not in the same class as Peacock, but he has many things going for him, though questions do remain whether he has the ticker for it

Kirke has occasionally shown that he is capable of playing longer stints - when not concussed - when given the opportunity.

The question remains whether he will be given those opportunities or whether the other props (Peacock in particular) will be flogged instead.