Agree Pumpety I went to last years Haven game and came away at Halftime.. The first time since 1993 I have left early.
Took turd to a new level. hopefully we give them one in the eye for that as their supporters infront of us were very vocal rubbing salt in the wounds.

Well, last season we stank the place out, week after week, so you’d have to hope this year will be better. I’m predicting that we will scrape into the playoffs.
However, I should point out that some of my previous predictions have included John Selwyn Gummer would become Prime Minister and Blazing Squad would be bigger than the Beatles. So…..

That final game against them we had no spine in the side in more ways than one. I've a feeling that's changed but we've had good pre-seasons before that have come to nothing (last year was one). I want to see how we go on a freezing wet day at Odsal before making any bold predictions. Remember last year we smashed Dewsbury away and all looked good only to follow it up with an awful performance at home to Sheffield. It was the Sheffield game that set the standard unfortunately.

Agreed. Whilst not taking Whitehaven likely, I think it will be the York game where we truly see if anythings changed. If we beat Haven then stink the place out against York then its exactly the same as last year with Dewsbury/Sheffield.

First let's start with Whitehaven and see how we go when the going gets tough.

My team would be:

Walker
Blackmore
Arundel
Gill
Foggin-Johnston
Patton
Holmes
Lawrence
Lilley
Foster
Wallace
Butler
Thompson

Flanagan Sr.
Baldwinson
Johnson
Rodgers

Tough call on Flanagan Sr or Roby. Either would do for me but picked Flanagan based on the energy he brings when he comes on from the bench.

I'd go with that 17 as well. I would like to see Lawford given a chance but Patton will most likely start ahead of him. GF Sr gets the nod ahead of Roby as well as he'll bring a spark from the bench. I'm really looking forward to the game!

Think I would have England on bench rather than 3 props bit apart from that a pretty much spot on.

I believe that England is carrying a slight rib injury and MD mentioned he would be assessed closer to Sunday. No point risking him this early in the season.

lets go ... new season and hopefully a vpn that is reliable ... Mr B im sorry, pm to follow

Lawford and Flanagan Jr playing for the reserves away at Workington today so neither will feature tomorow.

Would have liked to have seen Lawford tomorrow but not too surprised. He's still very young and will get plenty of opportunities this year. Good thing Lilley, Patton, Holmes, Flanagan etc have to perform otherwise they'll be dropped.

Reason I left England out was in case we pick up an injury in the backs or if Arundel isn’t 80 mins fit (not had a full pre-season) Butler could move to centre. Thompson to SR and Baldwinson to 13. Not too much disruption as you’d still have two rotating props. No point running Lawrence for 80 mins if we don’t have to.

Looking forward to it. I’ll be there. Hopefully be a strong start to the season.

Looking forward to this much more than I thought I would but I do fall for it every season.

Low expectations but hopefully we see a good game and the lads give us a reason to get behind them and the fans will follow

Start the ball rolling with a statement of intent to signify the start of a new era or continue with the unacceptable decline. Find out at 3pm today!