We'll go well again I'm sure. Every year we (or I do anyway) seem to have this down period after the season when you see some top players walk through the door and the replacements tend to be what you'd consider 'cheaper options' but then pre season comes and that feeling of excitement kicks in again.

I have full faith in Shaun Wane and his coaching staffs ability to improve not only the lads that have come in, but also those young players that will be another year on in their progression to the top. The new signings will all go well IMO but it's the young lads like Hampshire, Burgess and Manfredi that excite me the most. These lads will take that next step this year and they're that good that if they don't help us win trophies this year, then they will in the future.

Add in the improvements I expect to see from younger players like Crosby, Dudson, Thornley, Hughes, Burke, Sam Powell etc and this squad has the depth, talent and desire to compete in all competitions.

Yeah and he struggled with the pressure at hull with contribute to his depression which i never mentioned. If luke walsh thinks there will be not stress playing for st helens he is deluded. Playing for super league clubs and living in the same town where they become local celebrities in my opinion would be more stressful that seeing bad reports on tv.

I wasn't going to talk on this topic but I think you're missing the point.

Just imagine how big a news story it would of been had seymour done what he did whilst in the nrl. The story would of been massive. And it's that type of scrutiny that players can be become opposed to (just like footballers in this country) - there is no comparison in the "celebrity status" rugby league players have here and in Australia. Walsh, hardly strikes me as a charismatic man, and struggles with that. It doesn't mean he can't handle the st.helens public, but he won't have national media hound him every dropped ball/ night out/ relationship.

He's played half back all his life, and very much strikes me as the type to do his talking on the pitch. I'm sure he's aware of the pressures of playing in a successful side (but that's very different to the pressures described above) - and will know what is expected of him - all be it without a camera shoved in his face.

None of this means he's guaranteed to be a success over here, but he will handle the pressure (on pitch) better than people seem to think.

The comparison to Seymour is unnecessary and irrelevant.

i seriously don't see how it is? One player saying he's looking forward to playing with out the pressure in super league and another one had serious problems playing in that same competition.

Personally i don't believe luke walsh got better because the pressure was off i believe it was more to do with Penrith actually improved massively last season and luke walsh benefited from other players playing better. But it still doesn't the change the fact if he believes there will be no pressure for him to perform he is deluded. Superleague clubs are predominately in small towns and pressure from fans in those bubbles will be just as intense.

add to the fact he doesn't even have a halfback partner and being a big signing at a big club that has underperformed for the last 6 years the pressure will still be there.

Seriously can't wait for the season to start

he clearly said the pressure is off and is looking forward to less pressure over here.

You have taken a small part of an interview and interpreted the wrong way. He was discussing the media spotlight and the publicity in Australia. He said there would be less pressure over here with regards to those things I have mentioned. He has never said there is no pressure on him playing for Saints.

As we know it is not about finishing first but about finishing strongest. I think that we have enough talent in the squad to rest and rotate players. The youngsters coming through have already, largely, been blooded. Even some of those who still qualify for u19s are seasoned professionals. There is no reason for anyone to burn out as we have back up.

Does anyone know where we are going to be sending our fringe players this season?

Rumours around Workington will be signing up to a dual reg deal. There was a meeting between the two clubs before the postponed friendly.

That'd be a good link up for us.

Back to the thread - Huddersfield and Leeds look very good squads - Top 2, Wigan and Warrington in transition with the quality of players that have left over the winter, but should make top 5. Saints will be knocking on the door. Hope FC and Catalan are genuine dark horses (7 and . And look forward to watching the Salford circus outcome - sixth. IMO - my top eight.

How I wish you were a bookie.

me too as i'd take him to the cleaners too

From June last year Wigan lost 7 of the last 9 league matches with an injured SOL and a poor 2nd hooker and this years squad is relatively weaker. Like I say we may struggle.