OK, duely noted that you have put some agruement forward but after one game, against the most successful side in teh SL ear and who are second favourates, lest put your arguements to the test.

Goal line defence - Last night, Hull never looked like conceding a try until they were down to 12 men. Even when there was sustained pressure close to teh Hull line, they kept St Helens out.

Scrambling defence - As about, Also, there were several times that St Helens never got an attacking kick away when close to the Hull line. Evidence of Hulls speed out of the defencive line.

Lack of Mobility in the forwards - Now that was always going to be a weak arguement, but on the evidence of how both Berrigan and Houghton played at 9, how Tickle and Fitzgibbon offered a different aspect to play in promoting the ball in poor conditions, how Manu and Lauaki ran riot and how the 4 props (epsecially O'Meley) made yards, I think we can put that arguement to bed.

Fitness - Odd argement this, but as it was Hull doing all the running around with being down to 12 men in the last quarter of the game, they were still going strong until at the final hooter.

poor coach - Of course this is a subjective thing, and in the past I might have tended to agree. But that the beauty of being open minded and giving second chances. Judging by last nights tactics, performance and ultimate result, I'd say Agar was just about spot on. Wouldn't you?

To give st's a bit of respectability

No we wont. Your problem is,like a lot of Rovers fans, you suffer from Man City syndrome.

Awww, thanks Zoddy.

Injuries and lack of leadership are what Hull FC have lacked for he past 2 seasons. Injuries are something you can do little about due to the nature of the game, but most recognise that Hull have been particularly unfortunate on that regard for the last 2 years. That St Helens let their scrum half leave and now they appear rudderless only adds weight to the arguement that the current employers of that individual will benefit.

Personally I think Hull will finish 5th or 4th in SL after 27 rounds

All the Hull fans claiming the Zod is an idiot because Hull played well last night should be reminded that last season they didn't drop a point for the first 5 weeks and then had a nightmare season.

Don't count your chickens eh lads.

Your problem is you are judging Hull FC on last years team and coaching staff and there have been significant changes since then, you need a 2010 update my friend.

Now didn't something similar happen in NRL not too many years ago?

Yet you got dropped from the Tipping team by your Rovers mate for coming bottom by some distance

For SL this year I really do think it will be too hard to call. I would back Leeds to finish top, no doubt. After that I think it's a lottery for spots 2-8. Saints are definately in decline and have a poor coach and lack pace. Hudds look good and should go well, Wire have a great squad and now a top coach and I would expect them to challenge. Rovers have not recruited well but still have a good squad, Cats look strong, Kear will have Wakey punching about their weight, Bradford's back are weak but they have Orford and he could be a real star if the pack go forward,Wigan will be a better side with Maguire in charge I feel and as for Hull well the recruitment has been first class and if they keep the players relatively fit then I think they will be challenging for the top 6 no doubt.

The Saints game was a good start but it's one win, still a long way to go.