As you saw with Leigh last year, the actual order of the fixtures has an excessive impact on the 7 game comp. If you're aiming for 4 or 5 wins, starting against 2 SL clubs with 2 defeats can create a problem.

So not only do you have to finish top2, the fixture computer (otherwise known as the RFL) has to be really nice to you as well....

Perhaps that's what it was. When I saw Halafihi play last year, each time I was thinking he isn't good enough, and I wouldn't pick him next week. Even to the point I'd rather have Baile or Addy at hooker, so I agreed with the decision to drop him the week after. But maybe you're right that if he'd have had some more game time he may have grown in confidence and showed up more. If he played every time like he did at Headingley, I'd have no issues with him playing more.

Ideally we finish in the top two as you say and manage to do that whilst not flogging our main men. However last year apart from the game at home to Salford we were way behind the other SL teams. In the MPG we were incredibly close. Looking at our squad depth and quality I’m not sure we can grab an automatic promotion spot. I think the MPG is our only possible realistic chance – but as you say that’s a slim chance to say the least.

If we have a fresh and in form Gaskell and O’Brien and our pack isn’t shot to bits we still have a chance in a one off game.

That hinges on Lowes using the likes of Halafihi and our multitude of other backup forwards a bit more. I see no benefit in flogging the same blokes in games versus the likes of Swinton and Oldham (no disrespect intended). What’s the point in having a squad of over 30 players if there’s no realistic pressure for a starting spot or no desire to rest players.

I think Lowes has learned this lesson and maybe our backup players will raise their games if they’re getting a genuine chance unlike last year?

Looking at how SL sides are shaping up I can see us playing many of the same teams as last year. I certainly expect to be playing HKR and Wakey in the 8s. Possibly Widnes and a toss up between Salford and Hull.

I watched the recent Hull derby friendly (the whole game is available for free online if anyone wants something to scratch their RL itch before the season starts). That Hull squad should be nowhere near the middle 8s come the end of the season, something will have gone massively wrong if they are.
If they had a decent coach in charge, the squad they have could be challenging for trophies.

The recent Salford friendly result had me scratching my head a bit, I honestly have no idea how they'll go this season. Probably too good for the bottom 4 but maybe not good enough to displace one of last year's top 8? Someone has to miss out.

Widnes, Wakey and Rovers will be in the bottom 4 I think.

Agree about Salford, they've got world class coach in Sheens, and their back line is superb, but think their forwards are pretty small and one or two injuries and they could be struggling.

Wakey's opening fixtures are crucial for their season. They seems to be a bit of a feel good about the place, but if they lose those opening fixtures, that could quickly evaporate and they have some tough games after that.

I expect Rovers to get shot of Chester early in season and they'll be inconsistent, probably in bottom 4 but will be one of best teams in middles. They have players who can destroy the lesser SL teams and championship teams on their own.

Widnes will be as reliant as ever on Brown.