We have to be "aiming" at top 6, probably knowing that 8/9th will be ok.

New vaccine rules in France May help both Toulouse and Catalan now. Hope we don’t have any unvaccinated players as they won’t be allowed over.

That will be a huge boost to Catalans and Tolouse throughout the season. That will create some serious problems in terms of a level playing field. Not their fault of course but they stand to benefit on the playing field.

Another reason why its wrong having teams from different countries in our league i know if for a different topic but still the rules will effect the league

That’s providing all their players are vaccinated as well. If not they could only be at full strength for away games.

Home players don't necessarily have to be jabbed. The rules are about entry to France.

Surely if the French clubs aren't vaccinated how can they be at full strength in this country?

There’s another issue them being full strength Homs and away and able to play unvaccinated players home and away yet 10 other clubs unvaccinated players are unable to play away in France.

There will likely be discussions but the impact this could have in playing terms for the league positions and relegation is significant.

Even worse timing less than a month before season commencement.

I think its going to be a very competitive season both at the top and the bottom. Although strong favourites I don't think Saints and Catalans will have it all their own way in the league as Powell will get Warrington firing, Wigan can not have such a nightmare with injuries again, if the new Leeds halfbacks turn it on , if a massive Hull team can be consistent, if Cas respond to their new coach, if the Hudds players respect Watson and don't spit their dummies out again. Those eight teams will be the bookies favourites for top 8 finishes.
Will Hull KR be able to replicate their form from last season, will Trinity continue their end of season Willie Poaching performances, will Salford's new signings gel, will enthusiasm, determination and no little skill enable Toulouse to surprise a few. I think that the bookies will have KR, Salford, Trinity and Toulouse as the bottom four. No surprise with that and looking at squads on paper there is no real argument..... but there is always a side that underperforms last season the much fancied Huddersfield and there is always a side that surprises, last season it was Hull KR.
I like what Willie is doing, new fitness people, new assistants, freshen things up for the players, atmosphere in the club seems great. If we are as fit as we can be, determined, lucky with injuries then maybe its us that will surprise a few.

I read it as anyone entering a sports arena, overseas and domestic. So all the Catalan and Toulouse players will have to be jabbed to play over there?

INOUT

I don't think we have the same rules do we? I'm not 100% sure.

As I read it the Catalan and Toulouse players will have been vaccinated just to be playing over in France regardless of if they French or other nationality so will cover coming over here. If not we need to reciprocate the same rules otherwise it will be more of an uneven comp.

Yes, I think you are right. As the story has developed, it does seem to suggest ALL athletes.

"The French sports minister, Roxana Maracineanu, has announced that athletes would not be exempt from France’s Covid pass, which will soon come into effect for over 16s. “The vaccination pass has been adopted. As soon as the law is promulgated, it will become mandatory to enter public buildings already subject to the health pass (stadium, theatre or lounge) for all spectators, practitioners, French or foreign professionals,”

That opens a huge can of worms if the rfl were to try enforce something different to government advice in uk. Especially if it has potential to affect a players contractual status with the club.

There’s a meeting Thursday but there will need to be some swift discussion and actions. If what I read is correct and wakey have 6 unvaccinated players then that’s around 20% of first team playing quad unavailable. And that’s before suspensions and injury.

Nice to see you posting properly

I agree with all of that but you and I know that luck with injuries is critical for us if we are to do well this season.

Whatever people think about CC, when he started he was a lucky coach, then from 2019 he wasn't and it ended his Trinity career, Sure he could have done better, especially his signings and some of his team selections but basically he struggled with injuries to key players and could never gain consistency,

I actually think WP is a stronger character than CC and would cope better with adversity but what's just my opinion, he will still need luck, all great coaches are lucky to a degree.

Like most teams, our first 19 are very good, in fact in our case if they are injury-free and in good form our first 19 is one of the best outside the 'big' sides.

I don't believe in karma so no guarantees but a bit of luck for Trinity may be due, fingers crossed.