If we had to put a team out depending on the squad we have at the moment...

Broadbent
Ballard
Bauer/Halliwell (Depending on Bauers return date from France)
Harrison
Nixon
Rooney
Coyle/Campbell
Bracek
Henderson
Roberts
Knowles
Ostler
Luisi

Noone
Young
Catic
Macdermott


Not a bad side atall, our pack is pretty collosal.
I feel a new back may be on the way.
But still a very strong side.

Pretty much bang on there mate. I think more depth is what's required (seeing as most of our reserves have gone to Workington!).

Another centre, prop and maybe halfback/hooker would be on my shopping list.

You're right about our pack. Very aggressive and very mobile. Maybe not the biggest, but that didn't matter last season and it won't in 2010. If we can get the right side attack as prolific as the left, then watch out ! Also, I can't wait to see Rooney and Campbell play together - should be awesome.

A full pre-season will do the squad a world of good as some people forget that the Oldham lads only played a handful of games for us and Rooney maybe a dozen tops.

Spot on there!
I feel a new back is definately in order, if any 5 of them were to get injured we are worryingly short for cover. I feel one more quality back, perhaps to play centre inside Ballard, would be a great signing. As for the forwards I agree with you 100%, the pack proved size is irelevent. Looking at the team I have wrote out there- I am very excited by our pack. Baring this in mind, if one were to get injured we have players such as Butler who can fill the place and certainly not look out of place. I expect one more signing or two!

not a bad team, but weaker than 2009!

The only loss is Ellis, but Henderson is a more than capable replacement

We aint finished recruiting yet. I'd expect another 3 players at least. Knowles was Gatesheads player of the year, so a top quality addition.

Ellis is a loss, but Henderson is a proven SL player, was players player of the year at Gateshead and is captain of Scotland.

Totally agree. I am sure a few more players are to soon follow the footsteps of knowles and henderson and join the Raiders. I feel our pack are more or loss complete- perhaps one more forward will be added. However I am very sure one/two more quality backs shall be added- the recruitement is far from finished! But even with that line-up there, I believe I have reason to be optimistic

carnt see des johnsons name in there anywhere

looks a pretty solid side that.

i know you have lost Ellis but Henderson at championship level is a more than caperble replacement he proved that many times at Cas.

looks a side that will be difficult to beat especially on home soil.

should be a good battle between a few teams next season, Barrow, Fax, Widnes and maybe a few suprise packages all look very strong on paper for next season.

Can't really see Widnes testing Fax an Barrow next year. That could come back to bite me though.

It will bite you as we have some good youngsters coming through.

With Fletcher joining us, selection gets a lot more difficult, particularly in the forwards. I'd go for ....

Broadbent
Ballard
Halliwell
Harrison
Nixon
Rooney
Campbell
Bracek
Henderson
McDermott
Knowles
Ostler
Luisi

Coyle
Fletcher
Young
Catic

Another option would be to play Luisi in the centres instead of Halliwell, Ostler at 13 and start with Fletcher. With a few more signings on the cards, the options will be endless.