After a slow first half I came away happy. The thing that needs working on for me is our defence around the ruck, far to slow.

On a bright note Chase and Smith were doing things with the ball the Wire half backs could only dream of, fair enough not all of them came off but in the conditions it was a joy to see.

Considering there nailed on by most for top 4 and we stil have the likes of Hock, Rapira and Gleeson to come into the side im even more optimistic about a top 6 finish than I originally thought.

One more thing, while the likes of Mose Masoe at saints and Pettyborn at Wigan have been gettin raved about (due to the world cup) I think the real gem out of them all might be our very own Lama Tasi, the guy doesnt take a backward step and his defence is rock solid, got a good engine on him to. Exciting times ahead for sure!!

Said it all along anyone who finishes above Saints will win the league for me. Think Warrington might be light of an on field leader now Briers, Carvel and Morley have gone and think that Wigan will miss Tompkins more than more realise.

Saints.
Huddersfield.
Leeds.
Wigan.
Warrington.
Catalans.
Salford.
Hull KR.

Top 8 for me, though 6/7/8 are all pretty much interchangeable.

No FC? They'll be fuming over in Holland.

I think you're right about us possibly missing a leader on the field, although Monaghan, Hyam and Westwood have it and without wishing to wind anyone up Ratchford and Myler will be expected to do their bit and some more this season.

Enjoyed the friendly, a bit of a game of two halves for me and we saw the good and bad of Rangi which seemed to get everyone at it. Plusses for both sides although we could wax lyrical about how we managed to be nilled second half on the back of a couple of decent sets at the mid point...one man's squandered opportunity is anothers great defence, in reality it's probably a bit of both

Enjoy your season FWIW I think you'll be in the 8

Saints
Leeds
Wigan
Warrington
Huddersfield
Salford
Catalans
Castleford

I cant either Hull club making the top 8 and I really fancy Castleford to be the surprise package of the season. They've assembled a big squad with some good players in the mix, I reckon Powell will have them working hard together and will grind out some big results.

Re Warrington, whilst they've lost bags of experience in Briers, Hodgson, Morley and Carvell I expect Westwood to step up and Roy Asotasi will be a crucial signing. He looked top quality on Wednesday night and I imagine he'll have a big impact this season.

God I hope Cas don't get anywhere close to the 8, I'd hope they are cellar dwellers and Snyed aside struggle.

My top 8:

Wigan
Warrington
Saints
Leeds
Huddersfield
Catalans
Salford
Hull