Quote: fun time frankie "Nobody expects us to do anything judging by the predictions on the VT but I think we'll surprise a few to me we have a very balanced squad could do with a couple of additions but I'm quite happy when you think back to the season we went down our half back pairing one went awol the other never made it onto the pitch and we had to go with Blair and Marsh the majority of the time whereas now we have McGuire experience and Atkin who I like the look of with a few decent players who could drop into that role if needed'"
I think you have a pretty deep squad. In most cases you can bring in replacements without any real drop in quality which is obviously a good thing. The downside is that this is more down to your starting 13 is lacking quality than your reserves being great imo. The backline is ok I think. Nothing startling there, but we know what Carney can do. We know Quinlan is dangerous if a little suspect in defence, and I rate the likes of Heffernan, Minns and Shaw although they still have it all to prove at the top level. McGuire is still class, but there has to be concerns over a guy his age who has played for that long. You will have to manage him well and wrap him in cotton wool when you can. Don't really know anything about the other half you signed. The problems start in the pack. Lunt is quality. Mose can be a weapon but also a liabily. The rest are just meh. They would be squad players at most other clubs. This can be overcome if Sheens can instill a great team spirit and get that pack working better than to sum of its parts, but on paper you look like you will struggle for go forward.
I would be surprised if you make the top 8, but I dont think you are the worst team in SL either. Widnes look weaker, and based on the other day Catalans have issues too. I think if you can finish 9th or 10th and get that home advantage in the 8's then thats not a bad year. I don't think you will down whatever happens with the structure.
As for the rest. I think we have as good a squad as anyone but I worry what effect the Australia trip will have. I can see us having to play catch up after a bad first 5 or 6 weeks, but I think we will make the 4. Dont think cup will be such a priority this time, but if we get a couple of kind draws and find ourselves in a semi agaim then we are as likely as anyone. I think Saints will finish top. Lots seem to be writing Wigan off but they will be there or there abouts. Wakefield will do ok without ever looking like proper challengers. I am interested in Huddersfield. Think they could surprise a few.
