Much better balance in the squad this year. Last season we were desperate for centres and back row forwards.

I get all the positivity, but three of our four wins have been against basket cases. I think there's something in this team (and coaching team) but we've had false dawns before ( only twelve months ago even!)

Agree with this. Saints/Wigan would be turning us over, I’d like to think the way we’re set up would give us a snif and we’d not get a kicking….but still LOTS of work to do and we’ve had a fortunate fixture list so far.

Although, I should add, neither Wigan or Saints terrify me.

Interesting to see how much better we looked on a faster pitch, too. Can't wait to see Dufty in the summer. Hopefully Lindop too.

Said this at HT today. The acid test is still the pies and the stains. They nullified us every time last year, even that cup game with the extra man, we just didn't look a threat. So we'll see what's changed once we face them.

We need an ipitch at wire.

How good we look on the hybrid artificial and real grass turf.
Wembley also suits your running game, another ipitch.

Most of the tries from our right edge!

Couldn't go or see the match but just commenting on a number of peoples comments -

1. 'When the pitches are firmer it'll suit us better' or words to that effect.
It's been used year after year and I don't buy it. It may nelp js but it'll also help others. And dont forget the GF is played typically under less firm conditions, or with higher humidity.

2. 'The true test will be against Stains and Pies' - too true, but a bigger point for me how we respond in the following games if we do get a bloody nose from playing them. Are we brittle or able to retain self belief and confidence?

3. 'Right edge defence still an issue' - fully agree but it needs to develop and if we 'break a few eggs' in makimg an omelette, so be it. If it doesn't improve throughout the year then we have options. If/when Sam chooses to pull the trigger will be a test of his judgment.

4. 'We need Stef in the side for kicking and he can do a decent job in most positions' - Agree with the latter and I think that when he plays he could be our kicker, however Sam seems to have made his mind up that he is a squad player rather than a 1st choice in the 17. I'm sure we'll lose a few because of the this BUT it's the overall team that matters first and foremost, and that includes youngster development.

Interesting times.

We were missing Williams and Currie who predominantly engineer our left attack.
So no surprise really.

Williams is playing on our right edge this season.

Fitzgibbon is our left-side second row, Currie has played right-side second row or loose forward.