I though Raleigh was solid for the most part. Decent yards. He faded a bit in second half but his injury may have played a part.

Was impressed by Smiths passing, he sent the ball to the right place many times some leading to breaks.

Don't think anyone let the team down but there are a few who will need to improve to get a starting spot.

Thought smiths passing was a class above young woods, didn't get putting him into the centres. The guys an out and out 7 and that's where he needs to be playing. For those who thought wood added some spark, think I were watching a different game. Smith has to be our main scrum half.

Smith clearly has the organisation skills to his game and technique at least. Wood I though was lively and threatened from dummy half. Looking like a decent impact hooker and the effort was there.

Friendlies are very hard to use as a guide for season to come. You have made far too many new signings to challenge for the eight this year. It often takes a season with a team of such transistion and a new coach to bed in. I would suspect you will be in the bottome four early in the season which a late run of more consistant form. Good luck though for the season. Wakefield now have a good leader in James Elston and are going in the right direction. You cant build Rome in a day and remember that Leeds have the following 10 first team players to come back in (nine of which are internationals) so its hard to compare.

Webb
Bishop
Hall
Maguire
Peacock
Lauluia
Bailey
Delananey
Jones Buchanan
Sinfield

Agars a dud hes never coached a side to beat Leeds sack him LOL

good hit out yesterday and we have Aiton, Lauitiiti, Washbrook, Kirmond , Fox all to come in yet

I don't agree that we've made too many signings to challenge for 8th, what precedent are you basing that on?

Outside of Warrington, Wigan, Sts, Huddersfield, Leeds and maybe Catalan there's not much to beat to get into the 7th or 8th places. You'd have to fancy Hull for one place then it's anybody's.

Don't forget that we had Lauitiiti, Kirmond, Fox, Tony, Washbrook and Aiton all unavailable for selection as well.

Any highlights of game like last year ?

Leeds are the champions and still had three quarters of a starting line up who will feature for many games at SL level.

We should see things come together more before February.

In all honesty I don't see Wakefield making the playoffs this season. However, I see you being a much improved side compared to last season and finishing 9th or 10th. Possibly getting into the 8 the season afterwards, if you get the recruiting right.

The match photos can be viewed here...Sorry about the quality, its been a while since I covered a game. www.event2photo.co.uk

The match photos can be viewed here...Sorry about the quality, its been a while since I covered a game. www.event2photo.co.uk

I see us in 9th-10th with the odd shock win V the big 5 for me the jury is out with the 2 overseas halfbacks I hope they come off but we have had more misses than hits over the years with overseas signings and Smith never inspired me at Wigan only time will tell
Still need a couple of props to have any chance of the 8

I will be happy with 9-10th many wont the expectation levels are way too high in season 1 it will take time

Anyone seen the attendance figure for this one.
It looked as though it would be a poor crowd 20mins before ko, but the place filled up really well. around 10500 ???

Just over 9000 was given out at the ground

Cheers, missed it

Living in Stockport, I couldn't get over for the Boxing Day game, although generally the feedback seems quite encouraging for a first hit out with a number of other players still to come in to the 17.

As for the season, I would like to see us do 3 things in the following order of importance imo :-

1) Compete in the majority of games so the result isn't decided after 40 or 50 mins.
2) Play a more attractive style of rugby to entertain the long suffering fans and keep the newbies/floaters happy.
3) Win more games than last season

Oh, and obviously keeping attendance levels and revenues up, and a positive outcome from the PI enquiry would also be welcomed.