Lots of talk about recruitment on and off the field, some people happy, some ok and some disappointed, I'm probably in the Ok bracket, was hoping when Myler was announced would be better, but it hasn't quite worked out, not from trying and add in Lam, Whitehead into our side, would change the whole dynamics of the squad. But can see the reasons recruitment hasn't gone exactly as I hoped.

So what are the realistic targets for next year, for me there are three.

Avoid the big defeats on a regular basis, it's been 4 plus years now of regular 50 point defeats, games regularly over after 20 minutes.
Finish the season with some positive results (our August, September results over the last few years speak for themself)
Aim to finish as high as possible, I think a realistic target for this is 9th (above Cas, Wakey and Hudds), not sure with this squad it could be much higher, unless we have some real luck with injuries and Cartwright proves to be a coach who can improve players hugely.

I think anything less than the treble and I won't be happy. Joking!

I think 8th or above! The players that have signed from Aus have only good things to say about Carty. We've seen what Rovers have done just by been a fit squad and keeping their key players on the pitch all year.

Carty said a fit and hungry team, that will win games in it self!

Agree with all this Dave.

Ninth is a reasonable target. We will not trouble the play offs but the aim is to compete in every game and firm up that defence. Conceding an average of 34 points per game is just not acceptable.

We need to massively improve our fitness and conditioning and it seems like this is Cartwright's immediate priority.

Still being in with a chance of winning games at the 60 minute mark, too many times this year teams have blown us away early doors, then we show a little bit of fight after and maybe get a consolation try or two or tighten our defence up, it'd be nice to still be competing around 60 mins to keep fans interest up!

Stop the half assed effort and performances. There have been a few games we have been competitive in and lost which shows it doesn't take much to be there or thereabouts in games. Put the same effort in against london as we did against wire and wigan and we probably win.

Improve fitness, discipline and defence would go a long way for this squad. Attitude and confidence next.

Still some holes in the squad for me at centre, wing (assuming ropana plays fb) 2nd row and prop. We're either at the bare bones in each or relying on kids

Agree think better coaching and players which we have signed will only get us so far and probably 8th at best, definitely still need some depth and quality in the areas mentioned to challenge the play offs.

Small steps though, we are in a massive mess this season.

I think realistically to see a structured & cohesive team that fights for each other no matter whether the first or 79th minute. A huge improvement in both fitness & discipline, not just in terms of less penalties conceded but the basics such as our line speed, intensity etc. Also a significant improvement in our all round attitude as a club both on & off the field.

Top 6 for me isn't currently an achievable goal given the dogs dinner we are and the squad assembled so far, however I do think that 8th place should be the minimum requirement.

Looking at our squad I just don't see who it could finish above apart from Cas, Hudds and Wakey.

But you never know in sport, particularly if we can get some of the things sorted that have been mentioned, which really should be the basics, such as structure and fitness.

Personally don't think Leeds are all that to be honest so do think Cas, Hudds, Wakey and Leeds are all teams we should realistically be targeting finishing above. Think their current 7th place is more of an indication of just how poor Catalan have been in the latter stages of this season than Leeds being decent.

If we get the fundamental basics right, real structure to our play and big improvement in fitness/conditioning then I do think a target of 8th whilst a big ask is realistic and where we should be aiming the bar.

answer to the title is simple for me; Survival with our super league position intact! Perhaps some wanting amongst the group some passion for the cause and some accountability from the players towards the fans.All of which would be completely new innovations after this season.

Disappointed with the shortness of this post DW.

I would like to see improvements in fitness, attitude, discipline on a week by week basis. I'm hoping we see a big step change in work ethic and organization. I'm hoping that when each weekend game comes around the players look as if they have been working during the week to improve their game both collectively and individually. Rather than, as has been the case this year, looking as if they have never met each other before and have no idea what the objective of rugby is!

In short, whether we win or lose, I want to see us being a competitive side once more. Stop these towel-throwing hammerings which have become the norm over recent years (this year especially). At least do themselves justice.

I do think our recruitment for next year has been largely dictated by our situation, attracting decent quality to the club was probably very difficult in recent months. Anyone half-decent and in their prime years will most likely be looking for some signs that, as a club, we have turned the corner before committing themselves to us. As such, we've had no choice but to sign up 'experienced' players and some with scratchy injury records. But if Cartwright can instil a far better work ethic through the squad then we should hopefully start to see some improvements on the first steps back on what is likely to take some time to redress the many errors committed in the club's name since 2016/17.

If we can win 9 games next year (1 win 3 basically) then I would view that as a decent par given where we are at right now. Anything above that, admittedly slightly low threshold, would be positive. Anything below will constitute another year's hard viewing. We clearly are not going to bound into the top three in one solitary leap, and I think we need to be realistic about what the next couple of years may hold for us. And I think most fans are aware it's a long road back and we are going to have to be patient, yet again!!

On top of everything already said so far, would really like to see continued improvement from some of the promising youngsters we've seen this year, and hopefully a couple more to debut next year and show the same type of enthusiasm and potential.
It's about time some of this potential was turned into genuine quality SL players, and I do believe in this current group we have certainly 2 or 3 that could hold down starting positions for the next decade if they work hard and continue to improve; Martin, Balmforth, Staveley certainly. And then Barron, Moy, Charles not far behind.

That's the thing, don't mind losing, there has been a few games this year that I enjoyed despite us getting beat (Leeds H, Warrington H and Salford A, spring to mind)

I just want to see a team that is competitive, fit and motivated, this will be determined by the success of preseason.
That should be a given, if Cartwright is given the necessary support and resources.
As for the youngsters, I hope they receive more specialist strength training & continue to improve.

Is it just me or is this post too soon ?
How long will it take for fans to get over 2024 before they even begin to think of
2025 ?
I’ve been a Cleveland Browns fan since 1989 and we barely even think about ‘next season’.
The Draft is our Super Bowl !
Well it was until we hired Deshawn Watson and gave 3 first round draft picks away for him.
Only in Cleveland - that may soon become
Only in Hull

Judging my the amount of people posting it's just you.

sorting fitness, attitude and defence are the basics which should be achievable. The club also need to get ruthless with any who don't toe the line. It's the only way we'll improve relatively quickly. How can a group of player who outscored salford away in terms of tries scored then roll over at home against them?

I've heard some stories about a drinking culture at the club this season with some of the new recruits being major protagonists - they've pretty much gone now so hopefully less of an issue. But we need a culture where players want to be the best they can and we haven't had that for some time.

Attitude and culture go a long way in this game where margins are slim between good and bad. I don't expect` us to be great but if we don't see major improvements in the basics we'll slip into the abyss as fans have had enough

Not going to make any position targets because right now I can only see me setting myself up for disappointment.

For me, I want to see us getting our fitness and conditioning sorted. We have not looked right since game one this season and it's just gotten worse for the most part. In Cartwright we seem to have gotten a coach that really wants to put emphasis on this area and it sounds like we are getting a backroom team in place that will aid him. Should also get the injury list down too.

I want to see an improvement in attitude/culture/whatever you want to call it. It won't matter how fit or conditioned the team is if they don't have the right mentality. You can tell most games within the first minute or so if Hull have some fight in them and the answer is that they don't. Let's get competing again and make sure our opponents know they're in for a game whenever they play against us. Whilst I am not exactly excited about our signings for next year, I do believe that they will bring a sense of professionalism to the club that has been lacking for some time and that should translate to better performances on the pitch. I just want to know that win or lose, we gave it our all every game instead of folding like a pack of cards in most games.

Finally, keep giving the youngsters opportunities but balancing that out better than this year where they have been flogged to death. I am incredibly proud of the likes of Moy, Martin, Charles etc this year but they need taking out of the firing line and protecting to aid their development.

Improving to 8th-10th but I'm going to say this for about the 10th year in a row...winning games in August and September.

Had we started this season badly but then won a game or two the last few weeks we'd still be down but there would be a feeling things are getting better. Instead every year without fail we fall apart over the summer.

The next thing is the squad management, I'd hope we've seen the end of paying off players early and are instead evolving the squad at the end of contracts like sensible clubs do.

The other thing that can cheer us up is a cup run, even a day out at a Semi would feel like the promised land right now.

7TH/8TH for me, above Wakefield, Castleford, Huddersfield and maybe Salford or Leeds, more consistency and fitness.

For me, as well as those views previously posted, I want a captain who's not afraid to kick a'ses when its needed. Watching this group standing behind the posts, there doesn't appear to be anyone giving them a hard time. Lets hope JC appoints the right leader.

Can't wait for Mr Positive's contribution.

competitive....no more blow out scores

commitment...players not giving up once they go a couple of scores down

The new coach and back-room staff have to be the biggest appointments. The alarming thing this year is even if we were 20% better than we have been that only equates to 1.2 extra points on the table



Next year we go with a better coach, better backroom and for me an improved squad with better characters.

I think we'll improve from god-awful to average; which is quite a leap. As improved as the squad will be, it won't see us leap frog many. I'd say 7th would represent a great season, but 8th/9th a realistic hope.