Backs have much stronger depth, this season we go it the start with:

Shaul
Mcdonnell
Lineham
Crookes
Yeaman
Crooks
Arundal
Talnoa
possible Biggs

Last season at the start we had

Mcdonnell
Lineham
Crookes
Yeaman
Crooks
Arundal
Briscoe

Definitely. More than we perhaps should, and definitely more than I think it's reasonable to extract confidence from. As you say though, there could (and I really hope will) be enough pay-off to surprise.

We are a team in transition so how well we go will come down to how well the young players do. If the likes of Shaul, Crooks and Lineham continue their form, if players like Miller, Bowden and Green step up and then some other kids come through then we could mount an entertaining challenge. It would be foolish to expect it though.

I think the really important thing for 2014 is player development. We have good prospects in nearly every position but we don't know if they will make it at the top level. I'd be happy if by this time next year we have another couple of players making the grade to add to our core of young talent.

Hull have been in transition for years though due to pi$$ poor signings & retention and changes in coach every few years.

That's not going to change for the foreseeable signing jokers like Thompson, Talanoa & Feka.

As i keep saying. Time will tell.

Certainly have some size in the back division though

Yeah, we should have signed 2 papuans and a championship player lol

I'm more than happy with our recruitment, can you say the same regarding yours?

Pretty meaningless that though, isn't it? Being happy with something depends upon your expectations/demands from it. My 3-year-old is happy with our Nigella Lawson fridge magnet when she wants to ring people up and talk to them, but I'll still stick with the phone.

Ours is OK, same as yours, a few risks, your pack looks solid but still have the worst defensive backs in SL, halfbacks are average.

Poore and Weyman are decent, but never was great last season, Langley and Costigan are plodders, never really seen the Catalan forward, so can't comment on him. Walker a risk as injury problems.

The PNG forwards are awful, no idea why you have signed them.

Iv'e seen nothing to suggest Sandercock is a good coach either.

Our outside backs that have had problems defensively will hopefully have some better defenders on the inside of them for this coming season. Lorroyer, Costigan and possibly Langley should stiffen us up in this area.

Burns started off pretty slowly but once got upto speed was very good in the second half of the season. Keating is good and has maybe been unlucky to be up against a quality young player at the Doggies, will bring a totally different game from Dobson which IMO could be a worry as both him and Burns are not particularly great organisers. I doubt we will have as good of a kicking game as we have had with Dobson in the team but this can be worked on. We will be far better defensively in the halves!

Poore and former team mate Weyman should go well but I do have slight doubts regarding Weymans fitness, two good big solid forwards. Langley is a player who I have always liked but did IMO go a bit stale at the Bulls, think a new club will do him a world of good. Costigan was nice and steady in a good team that did well in the playoffs, will offer good defence and a calming influence in the middle of the park. Larroyer is a strange one, I thought he looked real quality in the second half of the season and I am surprised Catalan have released him, I think he will go really well if he can settle. Walker is a worry with his injury record but we have done well out of his brother so probably worth the punt, plus we have more depth in the forwards this year.

Who knows with the PNG players, can't see them getting much game time, if any!

I think Sandy did really well last season considering the injuries and a few decisions that went against us, deserved an extension to his contract.

Lets just say everyone Rovers sign are brilliant, everyone we sign is rubbish.

Obviously like previous years you should finish above Hull and make a big impact in the play offs.

I'd doubt you have ever seen these NRL players play.

Your spin is brilliant and you sound like Sandy making excuses, every team had injuries and bad decisions, its hope you cope with them.

Actually been physically at the game, your probably right, especially with the NRL players, well done for pointing that out. On the other hand I have watched the NRL for numerous years, I'm just hoping Eden turns out to be the next 'Brandy'.

You won't need to worry with Dobbo leading you round the park

Are you sure?

If you did you will have seen how average Weyman and Costigan were, wont have seen Keating though, couldn't get a game and has been replaced by Holdsworth.

He's been replaced at a different team?