I see that Bradford Bulls have just signed Kyle Briggs from Featherstone. That will leave a big gap in Rovers' team - they were exceptionally strong at half back last season.

Makes next season even more unpredictable than it already was IMO.

With Fax losing Royston, Gleeson and Brannighan I felt 'Fev would be clear favourites. But now Fev are without Briggs and Jessie Joe Parker from last season which is a lot of class to lose at this level from any side.

Barrow have a new coach and a massive pack, Widnes also have a new coach and have recruited quite well too.

And I feel we will be stronger than last season with more depth in key areas.

Don't think there any huge difference in class this season between all of 'Fev, Barrow, Widnes, 'Fax and Leigh. Even Batley and Sheffield too. So if we can gel well and be consistent I don't see any reason we can't win the league this season although it wont be easy by any means.

With our 1st 6 league games being against our main competition a strong start will be crucial.

Massive loss for Rovers its made me smile tho.

Sheffield are the dark horses for me

Great news for us as long as the Bulls dont loan him back for next year!

As for the best half back its up to Jamie Ellis now, he can be as good as Richie Myler was in this league!

Agree Ste but where would you play him ? Maybe after our next two friendlies Basil will decide.

I also wonder about our best pack. Glad it's not my decision.

Personally I'd be making him our no.1 half back and building the team round him at 7. Robbie to be a bit part player in 2011.

it sounds like a lot of people rate jamie ellis quite highly so if he proves himself with us this season i think he will be back at SH or at widnes next season.

We'll have to enjoy Jamie whilst he's here with us & lets hope along with that it brings silverware too. As for Briggs going that'll probably open the competition a bit more, I've got a feeling it's going to be super competitive season ahead of us bring it on

Ellis and Ridyard as starting H/B`s and Robbie to come off bench as cover to control the play if things start to run away from us.

Maybe jumping a bit far after one friendly? No doubt the lad had talent but with injuries galore for Pryce & Eastmond why would Saints release? The lad has talent but hasnt proved anything yet which is worth bearing in mind, no?

Yes, which is why I said he can be as good as Richie Myler. Its up to Jamie!!

Fair points Nozzy, but can I just point out that we lost Jesse for half the league progreamme last year after he returned to PNG. Sam Smeaton (who had a belter of a game v Leigh) arguably gave better service than JJP!!
But Briggsy will be a loss. Daryl is quoted this morning as actively looking to sign a quality replacement and with a few bob in his pocket his job should be a touch easier.
I've got over the loss now - onwards and upwards eh!!

Given last season its hopefully onwards and downwards for Fev

Looks like tom hemingway is turning out at post office road this sat. I don't know much about him, how do you lot rate him ?