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.

I'm of the same thinking as you John. Would hate a player who had been having a blinder week after week to be replaced by a DC that may just come to make up the numbers.

So is this the best team for 20 years now then Frank

Without doubt, and in the back row if possible, but I like the thought of Beswick at 13 so I don't know how it will pan out.
Wouldn't be surprised to see Littler in the centres, but he would be wasted out there at this level