I think that's a fair enough aim. I personally expect us to finish somewhere in the top 4. If one or two such as Nero, Tupou , Sol, Platt can improve on last year then we could be a serious contender . I certainly feel we're better equipped than last year.. so who knows.

think you can safely include our wings in the 6-17 statement as well. our potential weakness id in the and fullback, although think sykes is very good attacking but poor defensively and nero had a injury plagued first season. Platt IF he can cut out the bad decisions has plenty of potential as well so dont think our backs are as weak as a lot of people like to make out

similar comments could be aimed at leeds and saints who both have a old/unproven in there first team lineup and injury prone/ ageing fullbacks

Indeed, you surely must make that play off spot now.

Wellens and Brent Webb are proven quality Super League players. On his day, Webb is scintillating with the ball, one of Super League's most dangerous attacking weapons by far. Wellens always has a good season and whilst his WC was disappointing, he's yet to let Saints down. He'll be eager to prove a few doubters wrong and I've not doubt he'll be fine this season. You're hoping Platt will come good rather than expecting it. He has so many flaws in his game it's unreal.

Fair enough on the Centre issue, although Saints have plenty of money to spend should they need to recruit a Centre (should one come available) and we have some exciting youngsters coming through who will get opportunities. We also have the best Centre in Super League in Matt Gidley.

Overall, Saints and Leeds are still the benchmark, but Bradford have made some good improvements to be competitive.

I thought they were making a loss.

We've been losing money for years, but it's never stopped us from hitting (or going over) the cap.

thats a saints perspective on things but likewise there are alternative viewpoints. Its possible to pick out weaknesses in every team in the league but think our backline is picked on quite unfairly at times. Agreed there are areas it could be improved but its no where near as bad as some people make out

Sure. Francis Meli's defence and ability to take a kick - you don't get much weaker than that. I think generally though our backline is strong and that is complimented by a very strong pack and two very good halves.

As I have said in this thread I see Saints, Leeds, Warrington, Wigan and Catalans with stronger backs. Whilst you may be able to overpower Wigan and out think Warrington, I don't think you'll be able to do that with strong Saints and Leeds sides who are brutal in defence and strong in attack.

That's OK then. If we can't beat Leeds or Saints but win all the other games, we'll finish top, and be runners up in the GF.

It's better than I was expecting frankly but your confidence in us is inspiring, and I'll try to buck up my ideas

Yes but he's relatively unproven at centre! He may well turn out to be a competent centre.. but he isn't proven at the moment is he?