Following the win on Saturday and having a look at our squad taking shape. What would be your ideal starting 17?

I'd go...

Mcnally
Clay
Maden
Gardner
Pownall

Ridy
Brierly

bibey
Duffy
parker
Goulden
litler
Taylor

hoppy
Beswick
Briscoe
Gallagher

Like to play Beswick for the full 80 but I dont know who i'd exclude from the starting 13 after only seeing him for 30 mins.

I think Nicco needs to be in the 17 as his distribution is excellent and Gallagher is a way off being fit enough at the mo so Ostick may put his hand up .

That said I think we will have a couple of DCs who will merit a starting place as well so it is looking quite positive at the moment... until the injuries kick in!!!

Beswick's distribution from dummy half was spot on, and we need to find a spot somewhere for Duffy so Nico would be missing out at the minute for me, although I'm sure injuries will dictate he gets his chance sooner rather than later.

Gallagher has only been in training for a week or two after having an operation so the games will do him good.

Have a look at the first 30 mins with Beswick distribution to Duffy which allowed him and Ridy to make space Beswick Duffs and Ridy for the pivot roles with Brierley and Nico coming on as an impact players, dont forget we have 21 players to keep fit and happy so I expect quite a lot of changes this season as we have no reserves.

Where's Deano?

I thought Dean McGilvaray looked more like himself, scooting and looking for work and taking some of the stress off the forwards. Tommy Gallagher needs to sort his fitness out.

Well agree about Deano Jonny but I was impressed with Gallagher as I was with every one of them.

Oh for everyone else are our backs better or worse than last season ? I know it's only one game/early doors and all that but it is hard to be critical of any player after what we saw on Saturday.

Last year we went backwards after Govins brainfart, he speeded up the game and put the opposition on the back foot.
Watching the try's on you tube you can see the playmakers we have in adundance, reading the game and moving play around.
This year we are far more expansive, with far more options at 1, 6, 7 ,9 and 13.
The key will be can we replace Hill, Nash and Mills upfront.
Bibey and Parker remaining injury free is a must.

I reckon they've got the potential to be much better,although i'd be brave and put duffy back at hooker and bring Brierly in.

Don't fix what aint broken, let Littler, Taylor, Gerrard ect... fight for their places, then we should see the team playing its best rugby

i think littler and taylor are shoe ins when the season starts.

Mcnally
Mc Gilvary, Pownall
Littler, Gardner

Ridyard, Brierley

Bibey, Beswick, Parker
Goulden, Hopkins
Taylor


Duffy, Briscoe, Gallagher, Nicholson

Would be my 17 at present. Its up to Clay to force himself in and then I expect a DC prop or two coming in.

He's missed a lot of pre-season because of having an operation so it's natural that he's further behind the rest of the squad at the minute.

In an interview, Rowls said that nobody questions Tommy's ability, but that his fitness has always been an issue. That is the challenge they have set him - much like the one they set Mick Nanyn last season.

I'm hoping we use DCs if and when we need them,situations like injuries and we have no cover for the said position, or if the coaching staff think a couple of players need a break to regenerate.other than that i don't want them.having said that i hope there is at least two more players to come yet.