Hi all and Happy New Year.
Interesting thread this one and here's my twopenneth for what its worth. Last year, much of our success was built on superior ruck speed rather than ultimate size. We had two middles in Amone and Asiata who whilst not massive were plenty big enough and who destroyed teams most weeks with pace and power. They were ably assisted by O'Donnell and Sidlow. Sidlow will be a miss but with the exception of the odd impressive handling stint he didn't really pull up any trees in the Championship. These players were the platform on which our season was built. Asiata, Amone and O'Donnell are still here. We have supplemented with a like styled player in Mulhern who was outstanding at the back end for Warrington and fits the style we play. Important to note that Mulhern is like for like with Sidlow in size and weight but for my money is faster, runs harder and with more intensity. Whilst it will be more difficult in Super League, my recollection of SL last year is that there is only really Saints, Wigan, Huddersfield and maybe Hull whose middles can live with the speed and intensity of Amone and Asiata.
Our starting halves, particularly Lam Jnr are excellent.
Ipape has the quality to make a difference but i would like to see a similar set up to last year with Smith playing from the start and Ipape coming on when there are tired legs to get the most from him.
We have a back line as good as most teams and whilst Ferguson will be a big miss we have enough there to win plenty of games if we win the grind in the middle and that is more about ruck speed and intensity than size. I can see us finishing top 6 with a fair wind. All the talk is about Ipape and i love him as much as the next Leyther, but it is Amone and Asiata who will set the tone and win us games.
C'mon the Leythers.

Agree B&B. I did predict 4th, and to play Hkr at home in the playoffs. That could be reversed now. After saying that, we've had a fantastic season, and far exceeded all our expectations. It will be interesting to see what the boys have left in their tank. Remember the saying, it's not over till the fat lady sings. COYL.

Prediction Leigh to finish 5th. On the other hand it would be very sweet indeed to deny the Pies the League Leaders Shield (Hub Cap). Even a draw would be enough to achieve both goals.

Very ambitious there SS but, you never know. With the C Cup in the cabinet, we've nowt to lose. We should also remember Wakey took the spoils against Wigan in a golden point thriller.

I think I did alright. Pretty spot on with my analysis. Feeling very smug.

Have to agree there ML. I’m a glass half full guy and saw top six at a push, but you put way more sound (and proved correct) reasoning behind what you said.