https://www.theguardian.com/sport/no-he ... gue-season

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/no-he ... gue-season

I think we’ll go pretty well this year despite being written off by a lot of journalists and ex players in newspapers and on the radio. I sense a real determination about the place to prove a few people wrong. The spirit at Leigh on Sunday seemed much better and something I’ve been wanting to see for ages happened, the players looked like they enjoyed themselves and enjoyed their teammates successes (The Hamlin and Shorrocks try’s in particular).

If we want it enough then a top four place will be ours. I genuinely believe there isn’t a squad with more talent in then ours with the likes of Sam Tomkins, Gildart, Burgess, Williams, Bateman, Farrell, O’Loughlin etc. We’re certainly not in a St Helens like position of 2016/17 of wanting our coach to pull something out the bag but then looking around and seeing only the likes of Roby, Walmsley and Percival as genuine top class players (that’s not to bag Saints as they’re now much improved if a little over reliant on some Barba magic I’d expect).

I feel optimistic.

Of course I like anyone could criticise certain areas and want improvement or a new signing or two, but that's the reality of the game, I imagine most fans have doubts about their team and at times feel their team needs a few adjustments or additional personal, but it is what it is.

We seem to have depth in the forwards, options in the spine and a good mix of experience and youth despite losing a few senior players in the offseason.

I think it's now up to Wane and the coaching staff to lead the team to success, I feel this season is particularly crucial to Wane, who I believe will be shown the door/leave if we have another poor season.

I can't wait for the new season, intrigued with how we perform, secretly with high expectations for 2018.

I'm hopeful rather than expectant. Having said that, I genuinely fancied us to win both domestic trophies last year after we won the WCC, and look how that turned out! The players are talented enough to win trophies, but the way so many big names underperformed last year, and our trend of picking up so many injuries, are both concerning. Competition will be fierce this year as well, 4 semi final spots between us, Cas, Hull, Leeds, Saints and Wire, and that's before you factor in any of the other teams having an unexpected big year.

The one thing I will say is that if things don’t go well, I think Wane will be in for a rough ride (if we don’t have 10+ players injured at a time) because he has enough talent available to him for him to get us in the top four and competing for trophies.

There’s no excuses in this early part of the season.

Wane is under huge pressure this season and if we start poorly I don't think he will survive till the end of the season.

There are a number of issues that will need to happen/improve for the club to challenge for honours:

1. The props to play like props and lay a foundation for the backs. None of the lazy so and so shirking that plagued last season.

2. Find a halfback that can play with Williams.

3. sort out the woeful long range kicking game.

4. Hope a left centre can play right centre.

5. Actually start winning games when the captain doesn't play.

If you asked me where I think we will finish this season, I couldn't at the moment, only to say we could finish anyway between 1st and 9th. I wouldn't be surprised if we finished top and I wouldn't be surprise if we were this year's Leeds or Warrington in the middle 8s.

I'm optimistic.
Good set of forwards who are capable of getting the team on the front foot.
Quality half backs with guile and pace.
Threequarters who are fast and skilfull.
Altogether a good combination.
Top four and a trophy in 2018.

There is absolutely zero chance of us being anywhere but top 6. Its a poor league and our players more than match any other squad in the league. I dont see why people are so negative. With 2 games to go last season we were 3rd. 2 bad results wont suddenly mean we finish bottom 4

Leeds where champions the season before going into the middle 8s.

Warrington got to the grand final the season before going into the middle 8s.

We actually finished 7th before the split (only 3 points above Warrington). I fail to see how being 3rd with two games to go and actually finishing 6th in the Super 8s is some kind of shield from going into the middle 8s. Like I said I wouldn't be surprised if we finished anywhere between 1st and 9th.

1. It's a tactic that isn't working, especially when some props take the ball in less than 10 times the entire game.

2. I'm aware of how the halves play it was more a general phrase to find another half, obviously could have worded it better.

3. Radlinski only mentions goal kicking in terms of employing Hodgson "Our goal kicking is an area that needs some attention and we hope that by bringing Charlie on board to work with our guys, our kicking percentages will improve in 2018.". Be interesting if he is helping with other general kicking.

4. Unfortunately Sarge is a left centre due to his dominant side and step. The fact he played his best rugby for us at fullback makes me wonder why we didn't sign a specialist right centre.

5. Unfortunately this one worries me the most.

Hard to say if the prop tactic is working or not. Even in a terrible season we won the WCC and make it to the final of the CC.
Wane moved Tommy to 9 and has options of Powell, Tomkins, Escare and Sharrocks to play in the halves, not to mention Lockers can also play there. This issue is being addressed.
Pretty sure Hodgson will be helping will all areas of kicking, regardless this issue is clearly being addressed.
Sarge has played FB and in the halves, I don't understand why you think he can only side-step one way? Baffling.
5. Time will tell.

I honestly think Wane and Wigan have addressed all your issues.

Only time will tell if the issues have been addressed or not. Your confidence seems to be based on hope rather than evidence. We'll need to wait until the season progresses before we actually have an answer.

I wish we did have halves that played like it was 1985. I long for the days to return where we had halves that can play with each other rather than just left or just right.

Sadly the 10 yard rule and infinite subs have taken away the need for a specialist half back, basic ball skills and a bit of pace are the skillset nowadays.