Oh I agree there are grounds for hope and as fans we will anchor in the potential of Reynolds, more cohesion, better defence, fewer injuries and a miraculous first season as head coach. Why not? Just saying the reality is that some bookies have us 7th favourite for the LLS because it's unlikely all those things would come true at once and other teams already have better squads, established coaches etc. I like our spine, centres and back row a lot. We showed some character in the closing stages of 2020 and a new coach will bring a different energy. I just don't think we have the front row options to dominate teams nor the pace to beat them out wide. The squad is weaker than last year. Just look at the ins and outs and add Shaul to the outs for all intents and purposes Hopefully BH will bring the plan to leverage our strengths but he's only had 5 days with the squad. We'll need some patience.

Sneyd probably in line but he may play safe and not rock the boat and leave it with Houghton

I agree Mrs B we need another experienced front row but encouraged by Brett Hodgsons latest interview when asked if any player had impressed during pre season and he said Masi Motongo so possibly we will see his potential under this coach.
Would really liked to have seen the development of Bienek under this new coaching set up.

I’ll repeat my prediction from a few years ago, a cheeky top 3. I don’t see that we are weaker or thinner team wise. Ellis, Jones and Kelly didn’t play many games between them and Beinek only played 8 games in 3 years.
Hodgson’s new broom wielded by Reynolds, will sweep most before them. Mau, Sau and Satae, will tear trees up, as will the rest of the squad, especially the young guns, in response to the new regime.

I agree. We need to change things.

Radford said the same thing about Matongo last pre season or the season before but he never really delivered. He's got all the physical attributes to be a a regular starter but seems to lack confidence in himself. He had personal issues which have probably hindered his progression. As someone said on here before he lacks aggression and gets dominated in the tackle to often. Pivotal season for him.

I predict the season wont start in March but will be put back a month at the least

If it wasn't a world cup year then I would perhaps agree, but they just don't have the time to delay by that much. The season will start with no crowds, hopefully it won't be long before they are allowed back though.

World cup wont go ahead imo

Looking like a two week delay to the start of the season which pushes it back to the end of March.

Unfortunately he looks like Tarzan plays like Jane, if Fash was built like Masi he would be a international. Would love Masi to realise how big he actually is and start to physically impose himself in games.