My view is we will be in the top six, absolute minimum requirement 8th, if we get another couple of top class recruits (winger and prop please) and the pre-season goes well, then top 4 becomes realistic.

Think the month in Australia is a master stroke and the two games against NRL teams will gel the process of creating a team. Hope we play a couple of British sides too, If I'm not mistaken don't Warrington go to Australia as well in January? might be good to have a game over there against them too which would you'd think be of benefit to both clubs.

People say to look at other clubs and are the players we are bringing in any better than what they have? Tell me of a better second row than Hock or a club with two better half backs than Smith and Chase. The big question is can we ensure Puletua, Rapira and Morley fit and motivated enough to produce quality performances? I have no idea who else is due to sign, but going of what we've seen thus far, if we can keep those three fit a push for top 6 could be mounted.

8th will do me realistic ambition imo

Since when did the Optimist become the realist or dare I say pessimist ?

Have you had a bang on the head Bobby ? We finally have an owner who wants to reach for the stars and you now want to scrape into the playoffs where's all your ambition gone ? you know your ideas like kicking for a car at halftime when the last lot had no money for the Matchbox version.

C'mon man pull youself together .

What acceptable???
As a Lancastrian I would say 8/9.

What would I expect?
Well London and Wakey look likely to be bottom 2 given their financial predicament. Bradford don't look too secure given their waving over wages this year, but they do have the strength in depth that London and Wakey will lack.
Cas have a good coach, who should keep them out of the bottom 2, despite not having the money to spend.

So they will be 14-11 for me.

I think Widnes will improve again, could be last chance for their coach next year if he don't make the top 8.
Honestly not sure what is going on at Hull KR, but the loss of Dobson is huge for them. Are they secure financially? I've not been keeping up with the comings and goings and whether the directors are going to put money in or not.
So Salford are favourites for the top of those 3 with the money and the players in place.

I would not expect Salford to get above 8, yes you have signed some quality and experience, but there is a lot riding on these players. Some are getting on in years and whether they will last a full season is questionable.

For us TP has started having more time out with injury, same goes for Meli and Morley. But if you can keep them fit and rest them they should pull you through a better % of games.

Smith and Chase will possibly be the best half pairing in SL.

But I don't think you have the depth of the 7 above, when the injuries hit and the fixtures go back to back, with Monday nights, Thursday nights on SKY. Also the Easter Monday fixtures.