Yes I would always start with defence and therefore the forwards front and back, but we only scored 500 points last year, so its not surprising most of the discussion is around the backs, half or otherwise. On which subject Clinton Toopi is off contract, yes, another ex Leeds rugby union convert reconverted

1. BK
2. Ainscough
3. Walker
4. Platt
5. Ah Van
6. Briggs
7. Herbert
8. Scruton
9. Diskin
10. Lynch
11. Whitehead
12. Langley (much more attacking threat in second row)
13. Donaldson/Royston

14. LeStrange
15. Hargreaves
16. Kopczak
17. Elima

Sort of on this subject, it was interesting to hear the thoughts from various Bulls players and staff at the Bullbuilder event this evening, in response to questions including "who will be tearing up SL this season?"

Donno said (IIRC) Heath and BK were looking really really good in pre-season. Tom Olbison IIRC gave a big rap to Herbert and Ah Van. Can't remember what Lynchy said, but he DID say don't read anything much into the friendlies - that is exactly what they were, and trial games. Ryan was telling me separately that (amongst others) Chev Walker was looking very very strong indeed in training, as was Rayner. He said those two were really going for it, with much to prove and were showing every indication of doing just that.

All backs. Which, given we know we are reasonably strong already in the pack, is precisely the sort of thing we want to be hearing, I'd suggest?

I got the impression Sibbett was likely to be around 18th man. But an effective one that you'd be quite happy to bring in when needed. But he point was made...would you rather have him or Worrincy? That was the indication of how the strength in depth has improved.

Another thing which they said - and it had not really gelled with me before - was that we can put two full first teams together from our squad now. That has apparently been a huge advantage in pre-season, since the squad has been able to play matches against itself with full team on both sides.

Quite a lot more said that gave pointers, but that's the gist of what I can recall. All sounded pretty damn positive, to be honest.

Well, I'm still not convinced Walker has what it takes to be a decent centre. I can't see his winger getting put away by him that much, and I'm not sure he has the agility to beat his opposite either.

But, I'm not going to judge properly until I've seen him in a few games against decent opposition. Hopefully I'll be proven wrong.

Well Ryan is a winger, so I'd hope he knows what he is on about. But its a fair call about seeing how players go against decent opposition. I've quite high hopes for Walker tbh, but - like you - I'm quite prepared to be proved wrong. From the discussion, they are not looking for extreme pace, or extreme agility - but they DO envisage strength and power to crash through. I still have a feeling he'd be better-utilised in the second row, but we have strength there. To me, how he performs will be one of the more interesting aspects of the early games.

Well here's mine fwiw, to start the season

1. Platt
2. Ainscough
3. Walker
4. Sykes
5. Ah Van
6. Kearney
7. Herbert
8. Scruton
9. L'estrange
10. Lynch
11. Elima
12. Whitehead
13 Langley

14. Diskin
15. Hargreaves
16. Sibbit
17. Royston

Interesting. No Briggs. Kearney at 6. Sykes in squad. No Raynor. And Platt at FullBack. Like how you've gone with the bench of Hooker, 2 pack players and a utility back.

Too soon for Briggs IMO. I think Kearney offers us more experience at stand off and Platt as a confidence player will perform much better at Full back and offer us better attacking options supporting the threequarters. Sykes back to his natural position with Chev Walker gives us a secure experienced back line. I would probably go with Raynor as opposed to Ainscough but feel he needs to be eased into the side following his stint inside. Don't forget Royston can play loose as well as in the backs!

Although he performed excellently all last season, I can't see L'Estrange starting unless Diskins being rested.

L'Estrange does play well as a starting hooker, don't get me wrong, but I feel he would be more benefit to us coming on and running at tired defences and putting people through gaps. That's the role he played in the NRL GF winning team.

Why?

Big step up from championship to super league and he has lots to learn and in my opinion will not be quite ready.I'm sure MP will recognise that and go with more experience to start. Great prospect that he is , i'd hate to see his confidence wrecked by putting him in the team too soon.

I've said it before, start Briggs. He's got to play at somepoint so it might as well be sooner than later.

I think he will go really well. Looked good in the highlights of the Dewsbury game and can only get better the more he trains as a full time player.

I was thinking the same about easing briggs in gradually. but after seeing dewbury highlights I've changed my opinion. He made the transition look effortless. Providing he doesnt have a howler on sunday I wouldnt have any qualms throwing him in against leeds.

As long as Briggs and Herbert kick Leeds to death then I'm happy