Lineham was a liability in defence, costing us time and time again down that right. Rankin wasn't top class at either 6 or 1, but played with a passion that clouded a lot of peoples opinions on his ability. I'm a massive fan of Westerman and his work rate and defence will be difficult to replace (we won't IMO) but the fact was that things got over complicated with Westy & Sneyd trying to do similar roles, Joe's departure should help Sneyd. Abdull can replace Sneyd if injured, but you're right about Houghton, if we lose him for any length of time we're screwed, Washy is a below average 9 and Litten hasn't got the physicality yet.

Lineman won you 6 points last year.

Probably cost us as many too, that's the point.

Lineham improves wire
But Fonua improves us over lineham imo
I know Fonua hasn't played yet but I doubt I've missed more than a handful of games of Fonua s career.
He's more explosive bringing the ball back - by a lot
His Defence is better - by a lot
Finishing Tom takes some beating but won't be much in it
I think/hope Fonua will be like a justin carney in this league

Wigan
St Helens
Leeds
Huddersfield
--------------
Warrington
Hull
Castleford
Catalans
-------------
Salford
Rovers
Wakefield
Widnes

Widnes to finish bottom easily and Wigan to finish top IMO. Teams in blue to spend season in dogfight for eight and teams in red to spend the season in dogfight for fourth.

4th.....your 1,6,7,and 9 are good enough to get you 4th. The 4th best set of playmakers in the competition really. Not even the best set of 1,6,7,9 in the city.

You over rate these forwards you've got too. Watts can soon find other interests. Taylor couldn't hack it at Wigan. Player of the year at salford last year wow tough contest to win that. Paea is better than both.
Your clubs problem in a nutshell this thread....gross over expectation.
6th you should be looking at as your target this year.
You only have one hooker and one scrum half. Madness.

A classic example of once a player has left he is deemed as a weak link.

Lineham's defence was on par with the majority of other wingers in SL. To say he cost us time and again is misleading to say the least. It also ignores the fact he was often put into impossible positions due to missed tackles in mid field which drew in his 2nd rower and centre. Lineham however did win us a number of games with his ability to get over the line.

I would agree that Rankin wasn't top class. But very few players are genuinely top class. He gave his all when he played and he played well. Its not about being clouded, its appreciating a player who will leave nothing out in the pitch.

Christ,what a load of one eyed drivel,over expectation..if we didn't have expectation it wouldn't be worth going.I think 4th to 6th would be a fair reflection,as for overrating the forwards,I like the fact you singled out 2 of your ex players...Watts hasn't found other interests,only thing he has found is a very high level of consistency and for Taylor hacking it....well silver wear is a good example of not hacking it and he wanted to move be to Hull,what's up with that....as for 9 and 7...yes we only have 1 9 that is a problem,washbrook can do a job and we have a young player who is getting good reviews,same for the 7...Abdull,Tyson Wilson,Dean.Pryce can slot in.....unlike your lot..Campese won't last a season and who do u bring in...no bugger as you don't give youth a chance.

Ok.
Yes Taylor had the option of a career at Wigan and challenging for trophies every year....instead he hit the buffet and they got rid. Too much like hard work year on year for him.
Watts really was better last year but we'll see. It won't last he's an oaf.
You'll finish 6th-10th.
England have the best pack in international rugby. However 1,6,7 and 9 win you games in the modern era. Hence the Aussies beat us every time. Our forwards tear up the nrl, can't recall many who haven't but we lack pivots and halves....Yours are no where near good enough for 4th.
Within 2months you'll all want Radford's head on a pole again.
Same old with you lot.
Catalan Wigan Leeds Saints Cas Warrington will all be above you. The rest is a dog fight.
Oh and let's not discuss Taylor and Watts international careers. For Taylor in the reckoning then chucked his chances...see above.
Watts called up.....sent home from training before he pulled a shirt on due to his professional behaviour.

Who the hell mentioned international careers....I admit there are better props ATM.As for Watts being a oaf....he was a oaf at yours when he was with cockend and limpdick in charge,his performances earned him a new contract and he backed that up last season by being simply superb and as for Taylor,yes he cou
D have stayed at Wigan and challenged but for reasons unknown to us,he wanted to join us.We will just see how our overrated pack goes against the other packs in the league?As for Radford,never been a fan and shouldn't have been appointed but he is coach and gets my backing.

Disagree with your point about tackles being missed infield,he has a habit of not trusting his centre and comes inside a hell of a lot and leaves a massive gap for opposing wingers.As for Rankin,I have made my views clear.....he was a better Fullback than Shaul,better in the line,link up,broke field and defence.

The bitterness is strong with this one

Well, they got rid because he wanted to leave, nothing to do with his playing ability or is physique. Went on to win POTY at Salford & now joins the club he supported as a lad. If you had the chance to play for Wigan or Rovers, who would you choose?

Admittedly, he's not looking too great this pre-season

He was tremendous last season, consistent and unlucky not to make the England squad in a position England are strongest in. Only a one-eye would suggest otherwise. Players are capable of growing up the same as anyone else.



5 of 12 finishing positions will see you right with this Nostradamus-esque prediction.



Pretty much everyone on here has concerns with those positions too, whilst all four incumbents are capable of having decent seasons.

With your 1,6,7 & 9 you'll be right up there then won't you?



Probably.



But you've predicted 6th-10th? Surly that should be revised to 8th-10th as so many teams will be above us?



You saved the most one-eyed comments for last, nice. See earlier answer on Watts/England's depth at prop.

Some excellent points made by Doom and Gloom Merchant. Burton's Forearm said Rovers would finish above FC last year IIRC, and shot down in flames posters suggesting Cockayne would be a safer bet than Dixon at Wembley. Oh well. Maybe he's a bit giddy at the prospect of imminent HDM reports on Rovers overseas training camp in Florida/Portugal. Craig Sandercock reckoned it got them a 5 week boost which will be important in such a tight comp.

..... particularly as rovers are on a 10 day extended break at the moment.