How many times do you think we will start with that side? probably be able to count in on one hand like this season, Long another year older, even more prone to injuries, how many games did Fitz and Shrek miss?? plenty. On paper agree that looks a half decent side, but we all know it wont happen. Where already look like were going to be missing Radders for the start of the season, so that team is blown out the water straight away.

Which is why a 'backup' half back is the most important piece of business we do in the off season.

Think you are been harsh on O'Meley as well.

Wasnt knocking the bloke, just a fact he did miss quite a few games.

It's a decent 17, but the squad needs 2 more players - at a minimum, even if Dowes/Prescott sign.

In case of injuries - you have Lynne, Turner and Jack Briscoe for the backs. No real cover for your halves. If your props are O'Meley, Radford (will be missing early season probably), Moa and ED/PP, you are relying on cover from players who played in the backrow this year - you are well stocked there at least. If Berrigan moves to centre you've only got Houghton as a natural 9.

Ideally you'd want a half-cum-hooker in the Tommy Leuleuai mould, [iboth[/i Dowes and Prescott and a utility back. You need the half, I suspect realistically you'll have to choose between the extra prop and extra back - with Whiting being a primarily a back or backrow forward dependent on this.

I can see why people think we will really struggle next season, It seems we are relying on Horne and Long to stay fit, but even if they did to be honest I'm not sure we will do well if they do, Horne was poor most games he played in my opinion only the first 20 of Wigan away stands out for me, and although he offered a bit of direction Longs kicking game was erratic, and he didn't take the line on as often as he did for Saints, this is what he was known for. Top 6 with our sqaud would be a very good season.

The squad will hopefully have two more signings, a prop and half back plus we have Turner, Lyne and Nicklas for the backs and Burnett, Kent and Cunningham for the forwards. We also have players like Whiting/Berro/Turner that can be moved around depending on the style we want to play.

We do need two more signings and should we get them then I would be reasonably happy. Hall and Calderwood have been replaced so just have to replace Yak and possibly Dowes.

Horne played very well until he got injured, back to back motms at home early in the season along with his Wigan display.

We won't know until the season starts but a new prop would solve the Radford issue even though he has said he will be fit for the first game.

I don't know who will get injured and who won't, we can only guess. With a halfback coming in then we would have cover for Horne/Long plus Nicklas and the likes of Washy/Berro/Turner.

You probably though you would finish higher than us last season and would not lose both derby games in SL but you would have been wrong.

The backbone of the side looks good, but a couple of injuries in key positions will see us revert to the type of rugby we've been forced to watch over the last 4 seasons.

Erm........ we did



I never expected that like.