[quote="Mr. Zucchini Head":2e3mborr]I've said this already to some Hull KR fans who reckon they are going to be at the top for years to come. History isn't on their side. Several sides from outside the big 4 have come very close to winning SL over the years, Castleford, Huddersfield, Salford, Catalans, ourselves even. The next season they always fade away into near obscurity. They still have good players, but they don't have any quality youngsters coming through at all and they won't be as lucky with injuries a second time. They won't get close to repeating what they did last year.[/quote:2e3mborr] Last chance for Hull KR this year to win something for a couple of years as they haven't planned long term. I'm pretty sure Lewis will go, that's what he has been telling people, but could be having them on. More success means players want upgrades and that makes it harder to keep everyone happy, that's what happens at Saints and Wigan, but they usually have a player ready to step up, Rovers don't have that yet, Peters is either reluctant to play them or doesn't think they are ready.he

I see Betfred have us in tenth, at odds of 66-1. Above Cas and Wakefield and narrowly behind Huddersfield. Think this reflects a general feeling of who the bottom four are expected to be in the coming season. Rovers predicted to be fourth, although they have Saints second with odds of 2-1 to be champions. Not sure I would be that optimistic about Saints prospects in regard to ending the year as winners. Top six definitely, top four possibly, but I wouldn't put them any higher than that. Not convinced either the coach or their squad has what it takes to win the league. There is usually a surprise package each year, a team who do better than predicted at the start of the year. Fingers crossed that someone is us. I still think the scars of recent years, last year in particular, will take some healing, but we live in hope as always (this time next year rodders and all that!!).

[quote="Dave K.":2arc8x7x]Last chance for Hull KR this year to win something for a couple of years as they haven't planned long term. I'm pretty sure Lewis will go, that's what he has been telling people, but could be having them on. More success means players want upgrades and that makes it harder to keep everyone happy, that's what happens at Saints and Wigan, but they usually have a player ready to step up, Rovers don't have that yet, Peters is either reluctant to play them or doesn't think they are ready.he[/quote:2arc8x7x] I was talking to his dad back in October and he did say that Mikey would see out 2025 with Rovers but will be heading to the NRL in 2026. He went on to say that he'd had offers but Mikey himself felt he wasn't quite ready to go and wanted another season in SL. To be fair for all his antics on the field during a game he seems to have thought sensibly about it. If/when he does go to the NRL I hope he becomes a real star of the game there.

[quote="Chris71":cvmnmghf]I was talking to his dad back in October and he did say that Mikey would see out 2025 with Rovers but will be heading to the NRL in 2026. He went on to say that he'd had offers but Mikey himself felt he wasn't quite ready to go and wanted another season in SL. To be fair for all his antics on the field during a game he seems to have thought sensibly about it. If/when he does go to the NRL I hope he becomes a real star of the game there.[/quote:cvmnmghf] At the right club, think he will do really well in the NRL, he is a fantastic player, if I could sign one player from SL it would be him.

[quote="Dave K.":1rd6akdo]At the right club, think he will do really well in the NRL, he is a fantastic player, if I could sign one player from SL it would be him.[/quote:1rd6akdo] lewis is contracted until the end of 2028 it would be up to the club if he goes as well as the player

[quote="supersport":3atl12r5]lewis is contracted until the end of 2028 it would be up to the club if he goes as well as the player[/quote:3atl12r5] If a player really wants to go, they will go, power is all with the players unfortunately. I'm sure Rovers will let him go and they will get a fee. Might even have a NRL clause.

[quote="Dave K.":10uu0wjm]If a player really wants to go, they will go, power is all with the players unfortunately. I'm sure Rovers will let him go and they will get a fee. Might even have a NRL clause.[/quote:10uu0wjm] I'd be amazed if he hasn't given the length of contract. As you say, it's irrelevant really as no club will try and keep a player who wants to leave

[quote="Jake the Peg":1m0kv22c][quote="Dave K.":1m0kv22c]If a player really wants to go, they will go, power is all with the players unfortunately. I'm sure Rovers will let him go and they will get a fee. Might even have a NRL clause.[/quote:1m0kv22c] I'd be amazed if he hasn't given the length of contract. As you say, it's irrelevant really as no club will try and keep a player who wants to leave[/quote:1m0kv22c] Exactly no club would stand in the way of a young British player wanting to test themselves by going to the NRL.

[quote="Dave K.":1e95xc6s]If a player really wants to go, they will go, power is all with the players unfortunately. [b:1e95xc6s]I'm sure Rovers will let him go and they will get a fee.[/b:1e95xc6s] Might even have a NRL clause.[/quote:1e95xc6s] I hope *

[quote="Theeaststander1":6bhtinfc]I hope *[/quote:6bhtinfc] I do, I'd really like to see him in the NRL.

[quote="Dave K.":wtriwv2o]I do, I'd really like to see him in the NRL.[/quote:wtriwv2o] ive seen plenty of 'ive spoken to his auntie' 'spoken to his dad' 'spoken to his dog' 'spoken to his neighbour' over the last two/three seasons saying hes going to the NRL reality is nobody knows until it happens, hes settled, about to become a dad and the main player with massive respect in east hull, nothing points him to the NRL until the offers become public mcguire, burrow, sinfield, welsby, the list goes on of brits who were offered contracts and turned them down after being nailed on by the masses to go over as both clubs in the city now have the luxury to match decent NRL offers, we may never see him in the NRL

[quote="Theeaststander1":399dauq4]ive seen plenty of 'ive spoken to his auntie' 'spoken to his dad' 'spoken to his dog' 'spoken to his neighbour' over the last two/three seasons saying hes going to the NRL reality is nobody knows until it happens, hes settled, about to become a dad and the main player with massive respect in east hull, nothing points him to the NRL until the offers become public mcguire, burrow, sinfield, welsby, the list goes on of brits who were offered contracts and turned them down after being nailed on by the masses to go over as both clubs in the city now have the luxury to match decent NRL offers, we may never see him in the NRL[/quote:399dauq4] If Chris (above) says that was what was said I'm sure that was the case at that time but now who knows what is happening its all a bit of a none story really, and quite frankly its between him and his club!

[quote="The Dentist Wilf":17obmdbp]If Chris (above) says that was what was said I'm sure that was the case at that time but now who knows what is happening its all a bit of a none story really, and quite frankly its between him and his club![/quote:17obmdbp] hes most likely not lying but half of east hull thinks they know mikeys dad/family you hear it every week in the stands, fully correct its between him / showmethemoney / hull kr

This is nothing to do with Hull FC.

[quote="ComeOnYouUll":1cz4gzre]This is nothing to do with Hull FC.[/quote:1cz4gzre] Might be in a few years, when he returns from the NRL to his favourite club!

[quote="Theeaststander1":1t5kcpmm] as both clubs in the city now have the luxury to match decent NRL offers, we may never see him in the NRL[/quote:1t5kcpmm] If Lewis fancies it, no Super League club could get anywhere near what NRL clubs would offer him.

[quote="Armavinit":1kxb0sb2]If Lewis fancies it, no Super League club could get anywhere near what NRL clubs would offer him.[/quote:1kxb0sb2] bevan french comes to mind

[quote="Theeaststander1":2mra7dq7]bevan french comes to mind[/quote:2mra7dq7] French was pretty average in the NRL, not sure clubs fancy him that much, if they did he would be gone.

The more I look at Cas, Wakey and Huddersfield I'd be disappointed if we don't finish above them, but I guess they'll all be thinking the same about us. Cas have a decent squad but there are some unknowns in there along with the loss of McShane who was a real key component over the years. Also McGuire in his first full on season as a Head Coach it may not go smoothly though I think Delaney as assistant will help in that regard. Wakey again not a bad side but a few more unknowns in terms of players new to SL also Trueman and Scott who are good players but question marks on their ability to stay off the treatment table. Think if they get a few injuries they may struggle more than most. Huddersfield, really not sure what to make of them squad wise it's decent, but feel an awful lot rides on the decision of appointing Robinson as Head Coach. As for us, like those above we have question marks but genuinely feel that with Cartwright at the helm, the changes throughout not just the squad but the club as a whole so far and the long standing issues being addressed, plus the ongoing winds of change that have brought renewed optimism, it just gives us a bit more of an edge over those teams. Its all still unknown of course and as we know being Hull fans disappointment is a feeling we have grown to expect. Hopefully this up coming season will finally be the one in which we truly have turned the corner, but as Wilf has often noted, its the hope that kills you .

[quote="Chris71":2jim5wug]The more I look at Cas, Wakey and Huddersfield I'd be disappointed if we don't finish above them, but I guess they'll all be thinking the same about us. Cas have a decent squad but there are some unknowns in there along with the loss of McShane who was a real key component over the years. Also McGuire in his first full on season as a Head Coach it may not go smoothly though I think Delaney as assistant will help in that regard. Wakey again not a bad side but a few more unknowns in terms of players new to SL also Trueman and Scott who are good players but question marks on their ability to stay off the treatment table. Think if they get a few injuries they may struggle more than most. Huddersfield, really not sure what to make of them squad wise it's decent, but feel an awful lot rides on the decision of appointing Robinson as Head Coach. As for us, like those above we have question marks but genuinely feel that with Cartwright at the helm, the changes throughout not just the squad but the club as a whole so far and the long standing issues being addressed, plus the ongoing winds of change that have brought renewed optimism, it just gives us a bit more of an edge over those teams. Its all still unknown of course and as we know being Hull fans disappointment is a feeling we have grown to expect. Hopefully this up coming season will finally be the one in which we truly have turned the corner, but as Wilf has often noted, its the hope that kills you .[/quote:2jim5wug] You could probably add Salford into that group too because they may lose a couple of players from an already small squad, Rowleys always managed to get them up above expectations but how long can he keep that up? As for your post itself I think all four teams will be expecting to do better, better than the experts are saying anyway. Huddersfield have a strong squad and probably should be pushing for the playoffs, their squads definitely the strongest of the four mentioned, it's just poor coaching that's seen them stall. Castleford could be a surprise package for me, they've recruited a few unknowns I know, but some exciting players too, I think Maguire and Delaney will do well there, I've got a feeling Judah Rimbu will be top drawer too. Wakey have a real tough start to the season, which could dampen their spirits before they really get going, they've signed some good players though that are already settled over here, and although they may not be SL experienced there used to playing in the UK. They do lack creativity in their spine though which obviously could hamper them. Hull, there's not a lot of real quality in there, some interesting kids yes, but there probably still 2/3 years away from being ready, you'll be fitter without a doubt but I just can't see you higher than tenth.

[quote="bishops finger":3f5fnj5h]Hull, there's not a lot of real quality in there, some interesting kids yes, but there probably still 2/3 years away from being ready, you'll be fitter without a doubt but I just can't see you higher than tenth.[/quote:3f5fnj5h] I actually think our pack is amongst the better ones in the league. Ese'ese and Asiata are two of the best in SL (injury question marks next to Asiata admittedly), Jed Cartwright looks like he could be a quality addition, Holmes and Ashworth are solid SL players, and whilst Sao can be a liability there's no doubt he has the talent if Cartwright can get him channelling his aggression in the right ways. Lane and Fash are plodders, but every squad has those. I really like Staveley and hope he gets an early chance, and Salabio is an interesting project signing. At hooker we've got Borough who is solid if unspectacular and Balmforth who could be a superstar of he can tidy up some parts of his game and get his fitness where it needs to be. The back line is the worry. It's workmanlike, but not exactly exciting. If we get get Cross it immediately looks better. But I think we are really going to need someone like Litten to have a real breakout year, because if we are relying on guys like Chamberlain playing a lot of games then we aren't going to be going very far.

Hoping Cartwright stays fit, liked what isaw last year, could be one of the best backrowers in SL.

[quote="Mr. Zucchini Head":3fhee98o]I actually think our pack is amongst the better ones in the league. Ese'ese and Asiata are two of the best in SL (injury question marks next to Asiata admittedly), Jed Cartwright looks like he could be a quality addition, Holmes and Ashworth are solid SL players, and whilst Sao can be a liability there's no doubt he has the talent if Cartwright can get him channelling his aggression in the right ways. Lane and Fash are plodders, but every squad has those. I really like Staveley and hope he gets an early chance, and Salabio is an interesting project signing. At hooker we've got Borough who is solid if unspectacular and Balmforth who could be a superstar of he can tidy up some parts of his game and get his fitness where it needs to be. The back line is the worry. It's workmanlike, but not exactly exciting. If we get get Cross it immediately looks better. But I think we are really going to need someone like Litten to have a real breakout year, because if we are relying on guys like Chamberlain playing a lot of games then we aren't going to be going very far.[/quote:3fhee98o] I'll get hammered as a troll no doubt but for me you've got Ese ese Asiata, Cartwright and Rapana that have real quality, then you've got some talented young lads, I like Moy, he's very exciting BUT still very small. Balmforth, Staveley and Martin look very promising, but as promising as they look are they om a par with the young kids that Wigan produce? IMO no.

Moy is on the smallish side. But he has put nearly a stone on. Shaul wasn't that big but he did ok

[quote="bishops finger":1utkhcfg]I'll get hammered as a troll no doubt but for me you've got Ese ese Asiata, Cartwright and Rapana that have real quality, then you've got some talented young lads, I like Moy, he's very exciting BUT still very small. Balmforth, Staveley and Martin look very promising, but as promising as they look are they om a par with the young kids that Wigan produce? IMO no.[/quote:1utkhcfg] No I don't think that's unfair. The 4 you mention are the 4 that I am sure will produce. But there are plenty of others who are proven SL players. Might not rip up any trees but they are experienced and dependable and should help right the ship during this transitional period we are clearly in. Cust is perhaps the most interesting one. I actually think he could prove to be an inspired signing, but he also could just fall into that previous category. The thing that sets Wigan apart is the volume of quality youngsters. Year after year they seem to be able to roll a bunch more off the production line. But in terms of quality I don't think they currently have anyone breaking through that is streets ahead of a Moy, Balmforth, Martin or Staveley. I think those 4 in particular have the ability to be anything with the right coaching. And there are some other very promising kids too.