Of course we'll make the 8. It's ridiculous to suggest otherwise (barring a disaster of unprecedented proportions on the injury front).

What is in doubt is whether we'll be able to improve on last season's achievements. At this moment a fifth place finish doesn't look particularly likely, but if we can get Watts, Ellis and Holdworth back in (and keep them there) things should start to look up a bit.

do you realy think 3 players coming back will make us change things around we should have won last night with the 17 players out there yes we can make the top 8 but can you see a place in the grand final for us come business end???

Holdsworth - Our only true creator and it's noticeable that McDonnell has gone quiet since he's been out.
Ellis - In the top two or three best back rowers in the world and our captain.
Watts - His offloads and subsequent creation of a second phase changes the whole dynamic of our attack and allows Houghton to really play his game.

So yes, I'd say they could make a big difference.

Is this thread a wind-up or something?

As EHFC says, the three players could make a significant difference. Your final question is rather odd. A grand final appearance was never going to be realistic for this season.

You guys will finish 7th, not good enough to break into the top 6.

Not according to Eddie after 20 mins and only your 4th game, serious challengers I think he claimed. Not a dig at FC, more of a dig at that clueless fool, also reckons no problem with pulling in 25k attendances every other week at the KC.

why is it odd thats what every week in super league is about isnt it?? or am i missing something?? is just a top 8 finish the pinnacle!!

I'm sticking with 6th and a first or second round defeat in the play-offs.

It's odd because, barring a minor miracle, we were never in with a realistic chance of reaching the grand final this year. Our aim this season has to be to improve on what we achieved last season so that we can build towards being able to challenge in 2014 or 2015. I don't think anyone connected with the club is expecting a GF appearance this year, so it seemed odd to mention it in a thread discussing our fortunes.

I think you right, nobody at the club mentioned about a grand final but top 4 was I believe.

do you think thats ap and pg opinion not reaching the gf??? have a word!!!

Oh look - another Dobbin who doesn't understand English.

Wanting something and expecting it are two different things. I want to win the lottery every week but I sure as hell don't expect to.

See Kosh's reply. Pearson and Gentle have enough about them to see that a GF appearance would be a huge over-achievement with the squad we have.