Yo Stan. Have you discovered an alternative Sunday pastime that you think trumps watching the finest sport in the world? I'll have a guess at bog snorkeling, skydiving, dominos, cooking, triathlon, knitting, cake decorating, DIY, watching Saturday night telly on catchup or worst of all, Football or Rugby Union.

I know how you feel. This weather is depressing. I went to watch us at Leeds. It was effing cold, but good to see our new side ply its trade with reasonable parity for 38 minutes. Bring on the season. I've only bought the away shirt this year.

Finally, have you or anyone else got Hull KR.TV? Great coverage on the Tenerife camp. The new Aussies, especially Butler-Fleming and Moss come across as genuinely nice guys, articulate, keen, hungry and great team player ethos.

Salford won 18-6. Wonder if that sets the tone for the season to come for them derty berds, just like preseason did last year for us. Wishful thinking on my part, unfortunately.

Hi Picky, I will be parking my Sunday activities for Rovers (although I'm not going to that London as I have a prior engagement). I've been filling my social calendar with many things and I'm certainly enjoying the current football season like no other in many a year, however that won't stop me picking up the pieces next weekend.

I've got HKRtv but I can't be arrised with all the preseason bull about who is or isn't training the house down (whatever that means). I watched the highlights from the derby friendly but that's all I have used it for since I got it last year.

I won't know half the players next Sunday, like a proper part timer.

Miserable old get.

Feck off.

Useless pointless old rer.

I get called worse than that every Monday, water off a ducks back.

So pleased to have you on board so that the thread stays focussed.

I'm probably the opposite of you this year Stan, I'm actually looking forward to the new season more than I have for the last couple of years when it had become a chore. Think its having Sheen's in charge and wondering if he can get us actually playing and motivated more than likes of Chester and Sandercock ever where going to. Probably have the optimism knocked out of me by week 3 but here's hoping.

They'll be fine when watts,taylor,sneyd,minichello manu etc play,oh wait a minute they did play.Rugby league equivalent of leicester city,we live in hope !

The off-season has been better than the season that preceded it and the long trudge to relegation.

More than 9 months since the Oldham game and 4 since the MPG. That is long enough for hope to return - and it should linger a while this year. The middle 8s (here I go, taking it for granted we'll make them), will be bloomin' tough, but I'll worry about them nearer the time.

I'm actually back in Hull briefly this weekend, but I couldn't get Monday off, so won't be there sadly.

The games on Sunday

its normally curly whirly Clarke from the hdm that spreads the sharks poo , you also forgot to mention that larroyer did not play

Sir Stan has it. 6 months of hammering part time teams has not been something to float my boat this winter but in reality we just need to win 5 games of our last 7 and the short term job is done. Widnes are looking there for the taking from what I hear.

I agree with the analysis on Hull Kingston Radio tonight that we should be putting 50-60 past Bradford if for no other reason than our spine is better than some Super League teams. However they did say also that Huddersfield can recall Ellis for the middle eights which is the first I've heard of it and is incorrect as far as I am aware.

As team news goes it sounds like some players won't be risked but does Abdull play?

Ellis and Abdul can't be recalled and can also play against there parent clubs in the middle 8s

That confirms my understanding. I see Dane Chisholm has signed for Sheffield. I had considered he could be good use of a quota place but with such a strong spine already Sheens is right to target props.