Quote theredshed="theredshed"The bookies are never too far off the mark and one bookmaker have early odds on us finishing in 11th place finish above Wakey, Crusaders and Harlequins. This said the position could improve a little once the rest commit.
I personally feel quite optimistic about the new season but I'm not allowing myself to get too carried away because I've been disappointed more times than I can remember over the years. Things certainly seem more positive and I can definately see some progression after two hard years back in Superleague. I feel the quality of the squad certainly looks as strong as it has for some years but I still have some doubts about Shaun McRae motivating them and being able to get the most out of the players. Rather than just blindly focus on the positives of new signings I think you have to take a look at the potential weaknesses also.
I think one of the key factors will be how the younger players perform this year? For instance If you look at the prop situation after Cashmere and Feka (Impact Prop for short spells) I'm concerned that neither Jewitt, Neal or Boyle are capable of stepping up to the mark. I really hope I'm proved wrong and at least one of them really does it for us this year but I'm not holding much hope for anything other than average on a good day. I think it will also be a massive year in Luke Adamson's career after an injury hit season in 2010, despite having the potential his future could go either way for me. Another doubt I have is Matty Smith at scrum half, despite doing OK at Saints in the play-offs I'm still not convinced he's a natural in the position. Perhaps playing more regularly with Holdsworth (Hopefully) will help his game develop? Another big factor will be how much effort the new players are prepared to put in because a few are getting towards the end of their careers. The centre's Nero and Henry worry me a little(Not from a defensive point of view) I'm more concerned about their speed and attacking ability to score and create tries out wide. Another worry I have is we still only have one experienced hooker and most teams have two these days.
My prediction is a 9th place finish if the key players like Holdsworth, Cashmere, Patten, Wild and Broughton remain relatively injury free. 12th place at worst if we have injuries and problems.'"
Agree with most of what you say there, think some people are getting a bit carried away with the season ahead, whilst its nice to have a buzz around the place i like you think 9th - 12th will be where we finish think with McRae still in charge and the weak back up in the forwards will be out downfall.
I also don't think the forwards bar cashmere/fekka are up to much, Jewitt gives to many penalties away and makes to little yards for a team that wants to make the top 8. Think he is overrated personally.
Im not going to start on M Smith as some of you know he is not my favorite, but lets hope he proves me wrong this season.
Still i can see progression and i will be most happy if we finish 9th-10th and cut out the hammerings we have had in previous Super League years.
Roll on Feb.
