Welcome to the English Wintry weather, Carty, hope you don’t do a Des Hasler

Quote: RockNRolla "A real step up in intensity from yesterday as well by all accounts. Not just the youngsters who are saying its the hardest training they have done but some of the existing squad too. Makes you realise how easy it was under the TS regieme.'" Looks like a few like Balforth and Abdull have really gone the extra mile before starting pre season. Almost as if Cartwright's arrival had scared some into it with his threats about anyone who wasn't fit. Here's another interesting piece about Balmforth. Great stuff. https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... ll-9726513

Quote: RockNRolla "A real step up in intensity from yesterday as well by all accounts. Not just the youngsters who are saying its the hardest training they have done but some of the existing squad too. Makes you realise how easy it was under the TS regieme.'" Looks like a few like Balforth and Abdull have really gone the extra mile before starting pre season. Almost as if Cartwright's arrival had scared some into it with his threats about anyone who wasn't fit. Here's another interesting piece about Balmforth. Great stuff. https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... ll-9726513

I still cringe when I remember TS stating how it was important for us to start the 2023 season ‘under-cooked’.

It’s taken us 2 years to shrug that attitude from the squad.

Need to get Balmforth tied up, think he could be a sensation this year. Very positive first season, much fitter and playing with better players.

Really like his attitude. Get him tied up for a couple of years and see him thrive

Always a guy half full. But I just sense next year could see us do well. Not saying we gonna win GF but think we could be 6/8. If we can keep the spine fit IMO it's not a bad one..Always the optimist

Couldn't agree more and after seeing some of the pre season footage so far Balmforth has looked in great shape and pretty rapid too.

Might also be doing players some good knowing that spots are up for grabs in the team. With hooker for example, for the longest time that was Danny H's spot and the best you could hope for was to be his backup. Now there's a genuine opportunity for a player like Balmforth to claim a starting shirt in that position.

Need to be speaking to Balmforth soon as other clubs will be in a couple of weeks time.

Are you related to Bonaire?

That’s a fair point indeed RR. It does seem as though the wind of change has certainly blown through and the players have got on board with a completely refreshed setup and attitude.

Interesting comments from Abdul to about the conversations the players had with JC at the end of the season and the message he gave them all has had an impact.

An improvement in our fitness next season is essential, not just in keeping 13 on the pitch all game, but also stability.

Just checked back and last season in the Centres, Carlos and Sutty only started 5 games together. Coupled with our rotating/weaker 6/7 combinations, it shows that if we can keep our new signings on the park our back division should be performing significantly better next season.

Also playing for a coach who rates him,who will have a word in quiet with him and not slag him off in the press like someone else did.

I can hopefully now assume we will be fit and strong
The new facilities and professionalism will be worth an extra 2 points a game I’m sure !
So if we are on a level playing field and matching £ for £ on the salary cap and inc Marquis players then how do we finish Top 5 let’s say ?

The emphasis now must switch from talking about fitness/physio/facilities/culture and move to GAME TACTICS/PLAY

How good are JC and AL at building a game plan?
I don’t count Grix as he couldn’t coach a game plan into Skirlaugh Under 5s

How will we attack ? We couldn’t score in the proverbial brothel last season.
We looked truly awful and inept.
Devoid of ideas.

How do these players turn all that around ? Can they ?

That’s my thoughts heading into pre season going forward

We were atrocious in the opposition 10/20 last year. Abdull and Sezer alone will help that