We're in the Middle 8's. even if we won every game 60-0, there's no real glory. so whether we win by 1 or 60, the clear objective is finish in the top 3. secure SL status, then un-pick this diabolical season and rectify for next season.

Not sure about the 100% record because Hudds away is never an easy game and is usually a very tight affair. They are the unknown really in this Middle 8's because their coach has only just come in 2 games ago and not sure if they'll hit the ground running or take time to get going.

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Another issue with regards to the potential scoreline is points difference. I might get some accusations of cockiness or condescension but the truth is that points difference could well be crucial. In such a short league format their's a good chance you could finish level on points with someone and if the difference between finishing 3rd or 4th is points difference then I'd rather be on the right side of it, and i don't want to only notice it by Round 6/7 that "oh our points difference is worst than theirs".

It's the reason why we won the LLS last year, the reason why even if we'd have beaten Widnes the other month and finished level on 18 points we'd wouldn't have made the top 8, it's the reason why last year's Million Pound Game took place at Belle Vue instead of Odsal.

Granted we've got to get the win first, but if the opportunity/momentum is their during the game, particularly in the final 20 mins to score a decent chunk of points I hope we're ruthless with it.

I believe so too, its frustrating we couldn't get this form together a bit earlier and have still been a shot at top 4 as we could have had a crack imo , but it would be a massive shock to see anything other than a stroll in the park for middle 8s now,still have to get the job done of course.

Cup final? I don't think so, the Batley and London games are much more important to Fev, if we win those then we are likely to get 6th in the middle 8s - 750k compared to 450k for finishing 8th.

Personally I couldn't give a rats ar$e if Fev win this game or if Leeds win this game by 1pt or 60pts as long as we can beat London and Batley.

Cup final? Nope. Good day out? Yep.

Dave speaking on the positive thread, if we all think this is a way forward to reach the terminus on the front of the 8's then make it more positive and show what could happen, I for one will know it can be enjoyed.

I'd have thought that its quite possible that the first week could well be the toughest against all the Championship sides, as they'll all be up for it. It is like a cup game so they'll go all out. After a couple of games (or based on last year just one for some teams - I'm looking at you Leigh) the effort of playing tougher games every week will tell.

I wouldn't be surprised at a very close game. Back in the day Fev used to beat us quite a lot - often when form said they shouldn't IIRC.

It's all about speed and precision, like an experienced assassin leeds need to kill this game and the middle 8's dead quickly. No fuss, get off to a ruthless start at 100mph. Because if they dilly dally eith mistakes and penalties fev will grow in confidence and it will become a titanic tussle. The same goes for the middle 8's as a whole.

Agreed, we need to be in a guaranteed SL position before Leigh do us in the final round.

Moon, McGuire and Delaney added to the 17 which played at Hull KR, Lilley misses out altogether.

Presumably Achurch and Golding miss out, with Keinhorst dropping to the bench and Delaney starting there.

I think Lilley is injured or at least looked like he had aggrievated his shoulder against HKR.
But if McGuire is fit I doubt Lilley would get into the 17 anyway.
The coaches choice not mine.

So now Lilley, Handley and Mullally could be named in the Featherstone 19 and not be available for us again this season.

This.

Depressingly so infact.

The players can talk the talk, making the right noises about how difficult it will be and how much they respect these teams. But talking, and actually being in that mental space where they can go out there and perform like it's a playoff series for the grand final are 2 completely different things. But that's what they are going to need to do if they want to blow this thing out of the water before it's squeaky bum time.

That's why Featherstone away is the perfect first game for us, if any of our players are under the delusion that the Championship teams are just going to roll over Featherstone will quickly knock some sense into them. And quite honestly if any player goes into the middle eights half d with their job on the line we should be looking at moving them on.