The majority of NRL players that come across do so because either they weren't cutting it over there, they're too old for the money they're on or just because they can get paid a lot more over here.

Both teams have a history of supposedly world class signings who have failed to deliver. I remember us getting Crossman and storms coach stating how put out he was over losing him and when he turned up he was gash. So until these players have had a run out and got a grip of both the playing styles and living in a different country / culture the jury will be out.

I think a hell of a lot of pressure / expectation is being heaped on O'Meley and Fitzgibbon to not only perform but also to gel together a team of players that are very unfamiliar to each other. Add Shaun Long to this mix, who although a great player can be a tad temperamental and the season could easily go one of 2 ways.

I personally think our 2nd row is better than yours and our backs are overall a better unit with another year of understanding under their belts.

Yes and no. Most teams struggle at least a little without their first choice playmaker - there just isn't the cash to carry a quality backup unless you have a promising youngster coming through.

Where do I mention been reliant on one playmaker? We would miss Long just as Leeds miss Sinfield or Rovers Dobson.

Players like Berrigan, Washy, Horne and potentially Tansey mean we have players who can step in. Berrigan has played 7 in many big games.

Not sure I understand your dig....er point.

I agree that the Salary Cap prevents clubs from carrying quality playmakers in reserve but many have a couple on the pitch at the same time (eg Wire with Monaghan, Briers. etc) so it is not such a great hit if one doesnt play.

Did you see how Wire played with just Monaghan on the pitch as playmaker?

Even Saints struggled without Long last season. Take Sinfield out of the Leeds side and they take a hit.

The playmaker is just about the ONLY position where teams are 'dependent' on one player. The difference between top sides and the rest is the quality of damage limitation - and that has a lot to do with the whole squad rather than just the replacement.

None of what I would call a good organiser, once again a lack of direction would play a part.

Thats what i am getting at but Knocker is getting defensive and thinking it is just an excercise to have a pop at Hull.

Why would you change the habit of a lifetime?

As Kosh says we cannot sign a squad of playmakers and neither should we try to. If Long is missing then we do have players like Berrigan who can stand in. Every club is different.

The job of a playmaker will hopefully be a lot easier behind a dominant pack next year.

Like a few have mentioned, its hard to replace the key playmaker in the team, the good thing for Rovers is that we have players who can cover the role and have done in the previous few seasons without major disruption. Losing Dobson though would still be a huge loss.

Yer but Berro could do a job at 7 if required as he has proven previously. Not to the standard of Long but a whole lot better then Thorman!

Washy has played hooker before and could spell Houghton if needed also Tansey played hooker off the bench for Leeds but is more valuable at full back.

I like the idea of either Whiting or Turner at 13.

How? We've hardly beaten you in SL and then you weren't up to playing us for the previous 20 years!

If Long cant play for some reason i'm almost certain either Tansey or Washy will play 7 with Berro staying at 9 where he is most effective. Houghton may not make the bench for some of the season if Berro is going to play 80 mins. Would allow us to play 2 props and 2 2nd rows on the bench for impact. (horses for courses etc)

As Knocker has said, if any team in SL lose their playmaker it will impact them, and our cover is as good as any of the other sides imo. Youre right about Fitz and Horne and lack of kicking game/playmaking, if Tansey moves to 7 i would see us needing to play Washy at 13 and maybe Whiting at 1 to bring the extra play makers in. We have class depth to do that though.

3000 tickets snapped up already