I'm not sure he'll be a starter any time soon. Don't see how he could have got to the required level of fitness in such a short time.

Lam seemed to suggest he’ll be our first choice kicker a few weeks back, so I’m expecting to see him in the starting line up away at St Helens tbh. I think since then we’ve signed Sammut but as things stand it’s him who I can see having to work his way in to the side (maybe from the bench).

All guesswork I suppose. I’m looking forward to watching Hardaker play because we all know how good he can be. In a weird way the recent incident of him drink driving has made me a little less nervous that he’ll mess up in the short term. I think even Hardaker will keep his head down for a spell now and the season starting will help keep him occupied. If he can continue to remain trouble free in the long term is the bigger question and the one I have major doubts on but I keep my fingers crossed he can.

Worth remembering that he can’t medicate for his ADHD as most sufferers can. Can’t be easy for him knowing that there is medication that would help his impulsiveness but that would also impact negatively on his performance on the field.

ey up, stalkers back

One thing that is instantly noticeable is the picture on the article.

When he first signed and he did his remorse filled interview with Brian Carney he looked to be carrying a lot of excess weight.

His face looks significantly leaner on the picture used on this article assuming it is a recent one.

Does this get me in the stalkers club?

Almost !!

I'd bet my last £1 Zak will be starting at FB. He's had more than enough time to regain fitness and become part of the team.

Notably in a recent interview Tommy said he expects to be playing 9 under Lam. Considering this it'll be either Escare or Powell to miss out on a select 17.

I agree about Hardaker mate, sure to start at FB. I watched the opposed training session against Leigh and whilst I didn’t read much into it, it was Shorrocks running at 7. I’m looking forward to the season getting started now.

Lam has said he intends to use the 1st team squad for the friendly at Barrow but it won’t be the starting 17. That’ll give us a good clue!

Only if you use your observation to then form the inevitable conclusion that Zak will soon be back at Cas.

aye 5th april

Nice interview with Zac on Granada reports looked to have bulked up a bit.

None of the players will be match fit, nor will they be at the same fitness level. Zak, as many other SL players have, has a natural fitness level. He’ll be fine and I expect him to be our starting FB come the opener v St Helens

You were warned.

Well he's lasted much longer than Shaun Edwards did.