The current squad would not be good enough because we are light in the backs. We need to make signings that will strengthen the backs to make us a better attacking force.

Dane Nielsen at centre would be a good short time signing whilst he is in dispute with his NRL club.

I'm sure BS has assessed when we are thin and has irons in the fire.
If he doesn't have quick signings like Sio, there will be players coming to the end of their contracts, that follow BS around to the clubs he's been to, that buy into his work ethic.
The players that are here have a chance to impress BS, in their respective positions.
There was enough on show Saturday to make you optimistic that with the next game being a week Weds, there will be some more wrinkles ironed out.

no to dane Nielsen - he was rubbish for the dragons this year

The club can prepare for the 8s and with the addition of a centre be in a much stronger position.

If Jordan Tansey is the answer. What was the question? Surely it wasnt who can we get to strengthen the centrs for the middle 8s!

I think Jordan could play in the centre and not let anyone down. Could it be that the players who have normally played have been put on the back burner by Smith because they are not up for it .

Or it could be that he is having a look at his entire squad including his new signings before the start of the Middle 8 competition. Only concern I'd have is Scott Anderson who has not played since the bad concussion. Hopefully it's not a Lance Hohaia situation..

I certainly think he could and he wouldn't let anyone down.
Think about the progression of one of the best 2nd rowers we've seen in the lat 10years, Gareth Ellis, and then there's Ben Weswood. There are close comparisons to be made between Jordan and Ben Currie at Warrington too.

I said a few weeks ago that the centre position was the root of our problems in both attack and defence, alongside having a full back that could link out wide when we're attacking.

Looking at the fixtures I reckon it will finish like this:

Widnes
Hull
Salford
Wakefield

Leigh
Bradford
Sheffield
Featherstone (Halifax maybe)

That means we would play
Widnes, Bradford and Featherstone at home
Hull, Leigh, Salford and Sheffield away

Having Widnes at home is important in my opinion.
We shouldn't be frightened of anyone, but I'm happy we can beat 5 of them which would put us in a good chance of 3rd.
We certainly need to beat the Super League teams as Leigh are going to upset everyone and Bradford are a bit unknown.

If Hull KR slip up though and let Widnes take 8th spot, it could be conceivable that 4 v 5 could be Hull v Hull KR.
That would be even bigger than our "million pound game" against Cas.

We have to beat the Championship clubs and one SL club, which makes Leigh away a massive game.
The timing of certain fixtures will be very important as well and of course the much used phrase "momentum".
I'd rather be playing a SL club in the first week and a Championship club second week.

Most of the lower league sides will be absolutely champing at the bit in the first week but, hopefully they will start to run out
of steam, with 7 tough fixtures on the bounce.

Hopefully we start well and begin to find plenty of confidence.

I hate the concept but, the games will certainly be a good watch,

Agreed about timing of the fixtures, KR being in the cup could hinder them. Playing a mid week game last week, they may not get a week off like other teams, could be a fatigue factor in there. However i expect them to be OK. Don't think Leigh or Bradford will tire out, both full time plus we get a week off before the 8's start, then another week off for the CC final.

Said it on our board, it's cliche but we have to take it a week at a time. I think the top 6 are all capable of beating each other. With the desperation of all the teams, if a team isn't on their game, they'll lose. Even the fourth championship team could be difficult. Fax would love nothing more than to beat the Bulls, similarly Fev with you guys. We got pumped by Fev as we just weren't at the races. Have to be switched on every game.

Personally think Widnes are one of the most vulnerable. Especially now Brown's crocked. Smith seems to have really added some steel to you guys. A lot of rugby to be played over the two months. Will certainly be interesting and unpredictable!