I think we should win this by 20+ but you never know what can happen in the first few games of the season

I think Wane will go with 4 props ala Brian Noble at Bradford. Think we will look to dominate in the forwards this year.

Personally I would always have a back on the bench, even if it was a "hybrid".

Although not my ideal solution, we've got O'Loughlin in the pack and he can always revert to 6 or 3/4 at a push.

Yeah that's the thing. I really don't rate Lockers as a 6. It's not his fault, he is a 13- and a much improved one at that.

It's too much of an "easy" option. Having a dedicated back on the bench enables us to mix things up and try something different if things are not going well. Also provides cover for injuries.

I know we have TL, Lockers and the like but I would prefer an established back.

As I said though I don't think SW will go down that route. I think this years strategy will be blast them in the forwards, ensure dominance and then get the ball out to the backs once that platform is built.

The test of SW as a coach will be what to do when plan A doesn't work.

Thought Lauaki started well at Salford. True he dropped the ball a couple of times but he wasn't the only one to do that. He has size and isn't too slow.
Hame starting with Mossop with Lima and Spencer off the bench.
Farrell the other bench forward plus Mellor or Powell.
For game like Hudds, SW can go with two younger players provided they have plenty experience around them.

Mossop and Lima should be automatic starting props for at least the next two years and hopefully longer.

I have serious doubts about Lauaki but even if he does play to his potential, I feel he's best used as a substitute.

I agree. Lima is a workhorse forward who can play long minutes. He's the closest we have to someone like James Graham in my opinion. He's often the hardest working forward so he should be starting games. I don't see much about Lima that makes me thing he would offer impact off the bench, especially if Flower is the other prop on the bench.

Lauaki looks to be a typical impact player. He tends to drop off defensively if played for a long spell but he could be very handy coming off the bench. At the moment Mossop and Lauaki look like the players most likely to provide real punch up the middle so I don't think both should be starting.

we only have 3 available forwards also no kevin brown i would say with the problems we have its probs the best time to play you as could be still some rust but im not looking forward to this game as a giants fan i think a similar scoreline to last season could come

thats a shame

Any win, any how. I feel it's vital the team get off to a winning start. The last thing we need under a new regime is to lose our first couple of games, and for doubt to creep into the players minds, that now that Madge has left that the good times over and whatever success we've had has left with him.

hey up guys, does anyone know what stand we're in on sunday as we cant seem to find any information only admission details ?
Cheers

I'm worried about our options at #9.

Not a massive Mcilorum fan I have to say.

Tommy would be the best option but who would go to HB then?

How much are you being charged? Its £19 to sit behind the sticks and £20+(depending on what area) to sit on the sidelines.

If we have 4 forwards on the bench then Lockers would probably go to HB. I'd rather have Mellor/Powell on the bench to come on when Leuluai goes to hooker personally.