Houghton is better than average but in the England squad ahead of Roby, Clark or even Hodgson, i think not and that has nothing to do with bigger club or Nrl.
I do think with most squads being equal and perhaps us having possibly the best recruitment so far it more then ever comes down to coaching and motivation. Fingers crossed Radford has developed and improved and experienced enough now to coach the big time game players we have signed.
We have all the makings there this coming season and a top 4 finish is not beyond us and for that I'll remain optimistic.
Consistency is key this year but for me 6th or 7th placed.

This season is tough to predict. If the team comes together and plays well, if Sneyd finds his form, if the kids step up, if we support the ball carrier and get the ball wide faster ... top 4 easily.

If we play like we did last spring, if we lose a couple of key players, if Abdul and the other young players get Second Seasonitis or Crooks Syndrome ... then 10th and financial ruin.

Can't wait.

Id only put Roby in front of him, but with him getting at least once bad injury a season, wouldn't swap him for Houghton.

Jake, sorry bud but this squad is a fantastic mix of youth, experience and some blockbusting talent, it's easily on a par with the squads of the era you mentioned, certainly it's the best we've had since 2006 but it does have the potential to go all the way, it just needs some enlightened coaching, a bit of luck, players that don't give up and beleive that playing expansive thoughtful rugby is the way to win games not some of the drivel we've had that doesn't.

Apology accepted but I don;t agree

houghton's defence is outstanding but his attacking play is average. His poor distribution from dummy half is one of the reasons our attack is poor. If I were westerman I'd agree as I'd probably have to do a chunk of those 50+ tackles a game houghton does.

I certainly think there is a place in the squad for houghton but we would be so much better with a more attack minded hooker to interchange him with

Only half as retared as those who would put him in the England team though

Yes I can see where your coming from with lineham. But the other thing to think about is he was poor in defence which hopefully will be put right with Carlos and fonua. Our main problem last year was not been able to finish off line breaks and great field position. Our support play was really poor but hopefully we now have the players to see line breaks happen before they do and have the pace to back that up. As much as I hate him danny maguire is the bench mark for this and can make a huge difference especially in tight games. Just have a good feeling about Carlos, hope he's able to show his footwork at the line and even if not make a full break, get a half break with quick ptb.

Arguably our strongest XVII in 2006, Yeaman, Raynor, Cooke, Swain and Carvell aside I don't think the 2016 XVII loses out anywhere else.
1 Briscoe
2 Dixon
3 Domic
4 Yeaman
5 Raynor
6 Cooke
7 Horne
8 Carvell
9 Swain
10 King
11 McMenemy
12 Radford
13 Whiting
14 Tony
15 Dowes
16 Wheeldon
17 Thackray

at last another like me who sees Houghton for what he actually does although have a differing opinion on here you often get called quite sick names (retarded! Really is their any need!? Are the moderators OK with nasty language like this ?) Tin hat ready

I predict 7th maybe 6th with a run of games and older players being able to stay on pitch

My apologies, I didn't actually think you was retarded, just clueless. You prove me wrong