Think it sounds much more professional this season, protein shakes, proper diets, and an excellent conditioner in Mike Eccles, with Malcs commitment and Phil Veivers experience I think the lads will go well this year. Just need a good game plan for each game........

Regardless of the result the Crusaders game should give us an indication of the players stamina levels, strength, sharpness and spirit.

The key areas I would look for are:

1.The number and type of penalties we give away. Most penalties can be attributed back to fatigue.

2. The forward territory battle - Making more hard metres and dominating. (For the past two years we have generally lost this contest by a distance.

3. Can we defend two or more repeat sets on our own line?

4. What do we offer in attack after defending a couple of sets? (lethargic up the jumper 5 meter token drives or 7 meter impact drives and creativity?

5. Are we making unforced errors due to pressure as a result of being dominated?

6. How eager are the players to chase after a kick?

7. How eager are the forwards to pack down for an attacking scrum?

8. What is the support play like after a player has made a line break?

9. Is there any noticeable drop in intensity?

10. How quick are the players to get back in an attacking position after an opponents field position kick?

11. What is the general body language of the players? Do they look enthusiastic and are they encouraging each other?

I think the Crusaders game is 'massive' because I feel many lapsed fans considering coming back (For the last year at the Willows) will be watching it on TV and if we have a howler it will give them a reason not to come back. I just hope we don't hear a predictable excuse after the game about the players needing more time to gel. Hopefully SM is being extremely positive and hasn't given too much thought to any post match defeat comments.

The fittest and most spirited Salford team I have ever seen was in 2006 when Eddie McGuiness was the conditioner and we finished in 5th place. It just shows how vital fitness is because with respect the 2006 squad was not the most naturally gifted. If the current players are as fit and together as that team it could potentially be a massive year for the club. One thing is for sure if this team show they mean business from the off, then the fans will flock back to the Willows and get behind them vocally 110%.

Quote: theredshed "Regardless of the result the Crusaders game should give us an indication of the players stamina levels, strength, sharpness and spirit. The key areas I would look for are good post. totally agree withyour post. I listened to Rob Parker on the BBC - good interview. i'd advise all Salford fans to listen: news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_l ... 368529.stm good luck for the season. i'm a warrington fan but hope to get over for the game at the willows.

Quote: theredshed "Regardless of the result the Crusaders game should give us an indication of the players stamina levels, strength, sharpness and spirit. The key areas I would look for are good post. totally agree withyour post. I listened to Rob Parker on the BBC - good interview. i'd advise all Salford fans to listen: news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_l ... 368529.stm good luck for the season. i'm a warrington fan but hope to get over for the game at the willows.

Cannot agree.

* The team are still getting used to each other so there will be some tentativeness and lack of fluidity
* Some players will be carrying knocks that you may not know about and thus may not be at their best
* I would have thought most SL starters during the opening weekend will be blowing after 10 minutes
* Spirit? You may have to give it a bit longer
* I wouldn't have thought any conditioner would have a squad at their sharpest and fittest by the first game of the season - it's a marathon, not a sprint...


I wouldn't judge the team's potential on what happens in the first game.