As a fan I feel we will rack the points up in our league, today we never left the dressing rooms second half, and need to sort that out.
Missed Tommy G today, and Wilkes to a lesser degree as we have some great props imo. But Wilkes and Tommy lead, and that was missed today. Acton/Spencer/Wilkes/Emmit/Duffy with Barlow playing an extra prop role at 13 is plenty for this league though
Our movement with ball in hand is better than its ever been, with great support play once we break the line and we can certainly finish it for a change
I think the 17 is now becoming clear but I think Paul has some decisions on Kay/Ridyard/Brierley/McNally/Govin/Penky for 3 start spots and a bench
Higson has grabbed the spare wing spot in the friendlies, but who partners Armstrong in the centres?

Its over to PR in a couple of weeks, and I believe we will be very happy come the end of the season despite an awful second half today.

That was a very good Warrington side we played today.

As the season is now upon us I will refrain from commenting on any team or footballing related thread as I don't think it is my place to do so or professional.

I will however say I really believe in Derek, Paul and the coaching team we have and I honestly feel this is the best squad and depth we've had for many years and honestly feel we are ready for the serious stuff now after a tough pre season.

Roll on Batley 16/02 can't bloody wait!!!!

Andy

What about Fax next week !!!

As a Warrington fan watching Leigh it seemed you had a propensity to good wide rather early despite not having a platform to do so. In Ridyard, you have a player who seems a little bit too individual, trying to score on every play, this can result in a poor last tackle kick.

Brierly is a peach of a player, get Ridyard playing with some composure and you have a pair of halfbacks that will comfortably unlock the best of defences.

Not sure what happened with England, but he was being a bit of a soct-cock in parts of the game.

Good luck for the forthcoming season. I always keep an eye out for the Leythers results.

England Physically has the attributes to make a SL front row forward.

What he does lack at the present time IMO is the kind of cool clam and composed nature that has helped Chris Hill make the transition from Championship to SL without a problem and is far to easily drawn into a poop fight.

Jury will stay out on England for me and would not be surprised to be seeing him play against us again at some point this coming year.

Should be a good game but will mean nothing win or lose.

Is there seats still left on the coach Linda

What has Armstrong done in the friendlies to warrant a shirt? IMO we have better options in the three quarters and Higson, Littler and even Gardner will all feel they have staked a bigger claim so far than Tom for a centre spot.

My starting 13 for the first league game v Batley, based on observations so far.

McNally
Maden
Littler
Higson
Brown
Ridyard
Brierley
Spencer
Kay/Beswick
Wilkes
Haggerty
Goulden
Barlow

With Kay/ Beswick occupying one spot on the bench, The rest of the squad would be fighting it out for the remaining 3 subs places IMO.

The usual suspects in the backs were short of pace last season, sticking with them this season isn't the solution when there are quicker alternatives. Misplaced loyalty doesn't accrue league points.

Totally agree.

So when the season proper starts who would you play in the threequarters ?

Nothing wrong with pack' halfbacks and fullback position options imo.

Would anyone play Kay and Govin in the centres for eg ?

I would start with Maden, Higson, Armstrong & Brown but we are still a good centre short.

What's wrong with Gardner?

Well we have had criticisms of our threequarters defence and in some cases lack of pace.

Glad I am not coach but I am playing devils advocate' it is PR who will have to find the best options.