: Sat Jan 17, 2009 12:58 pm  

Lenny The Loiner2 wrote:

I thought they were making a loss.

We've been losing money for years, but it's never stopped us from hitting (or going over) the cap.

: Sat Jan 17, 2009 1:02 pm  

Blobbynator wrote:

Wellens and Brent Webb are proven quality Super League players. On his day, Webb is scintillating with the ball, one of Super League's most dangerous attacking weapons by far. Wellens always has a good season and whilst his WC was disappointing, he's yet to let Saints down. He'll be eager to prove a few doubters wrong and I've not doubt he'll be fine this season. You're hoping Platt will come good rather than expecting it. He has so many flaws in his game it's unreal.

Fair enough on the Centre issue, although Saints have plenty of money to spend should they need to recruit a Centre (should one come available) and we have some exciting youngsters coming through who will get opportunities. We also have the best Centre in Super League in Matt Gidley.

Overall, Saints and Leeds are still the benchmark, but Bradford have made some good improvements to be competitive.

thats a saints perspective on things but likewise there are alternative viewpoints. Its possible to pick out weaknesses in every team in the league but think our backline is picked on quite unfairly at times. Agreed there are areas it could be improved but its no where near as bad as some people make out

: Sat Jan 17, 2009 1:07 pm  

mat wrote:

thats a saints perspective on things but likewise there are alternative viewpoints. Its possible to pick out weaknesses in every team in the league but think our backline is picked on quite unfairly at times.

Sure. Francis Meli's defence and ability to take a kick - you don't get much weaker than that. I think generally though our backline is strong and that is complimented by a very strong pack and two very good halves.

As I have said in this thread I see Saints, Leeds, Warrington, Wigan and Catalans with stronger backs. Whilst you may be able to overpower Wigan and out think Warrington, I don't think you'll be able to do that with strong Saints and Leeds sides who are brutal in defence and strong in attack.

: Sat Jan 17, 2009 1:10 pm  

Blobbynator wrote:

Sure. Francis Meli's defence and ability to take a kick - you don't get much weaker than that. I think generally though our backline is strong and that is complimented by a very strong pack and two very good halves.

As I have said in this thread I see Saints, Leeds, Warrington, Wigan and Catalans with stronger backs. Whilst you may be able to overpower Wigan and out think Warrington, I don't think you'll be able to do that with strong Saints and Leeds sides who are brutal in defence and strong in attack.

add gardner into that comment after his world cup performance add in possibility of pryce going down and your backline doesnt look so great anymore
likewise for leeds smiths unproven and seniors starting to show his age. Wire are great on paper but don't play as a team. catalans may suffer from new coach syndrome, wigan still havent replaced barrett effectively etc. you can pick holes in any team

: Sat Jan 17, 2009 1:12 pm  

Blobbynator wrote:

..Whilst you may be able to overpower Wigan and out think Warrington, I don't think you'll be able to do that with strong Saints and Leeds sides who are brutal in defence and strong in attack.

That's OK then. If we can't beat Leeds or Saints but win all the other games, we'll finish top, and be runners up in the GF.

It's better than I was expecting frankly but your confidence in us is inspiring, and I'll try to buck up my ideas

: Sat Jan 17, 2009 1:14 pm  

mat wrote:

add gardner into that comment after his world cup performance add in possibility of pryce going down and your backline doesnt look so great anymore
likewise for leeds smiths unproven and seniors starting to show his age. Wire are great on paper but don't play as a team. catalans may suffer from new coach syndrome, wigan still havent replaced barrett effectively etc. you can pick holes in any team

Unproven at what?????
I'm sure he's more than capable of handling the centre position given he's proved his worth at FB and wing.

: Sat Jan 17, 2009 1:18 pm  

mat wrote:

add gardner into that comment after his world cup performance

He's well covered by a great Centre though. Gardner is a good player, who had a bad World Cup. I've no worries with him personally, he's proven his worth in Super League both offensively and defensively.

There are holes in every team, but it's how you cover the weaknesses in the team. Your 6-17 maybe stronger than the likes of Wigan, Catalans and Warrington (we'll see what happens), but not Saints and Leeds IMO. Overall, Saints and Leeds have stronger sides.

: Sat Jan 17, 2009 1:19 pm  

Ferocious Aardvark wrote:

That's OK then. If we can't beat Leeds or Saints but win all the other games, we'll finish top, and be runners up in the GF.

It's better than I was expecting frankly but your confidence in us is inspiring, and I'll try to buck up my ideas

The key word in there was may.

: Sat Jan 17, 2009 1:22 pm  

rhinoms wrote:

Unproven at what?????
I'm sure he's more than capable of handling the centre position given he's proved his worth at FB and wing.

Yes but he's relatively unproven at centre! He may well turn out to be a competent centre.. but he isn't proven at the moment is he?

: Sat Jan 17, 2009 1:28 pm  

Blobbynator wrote:

The key word in there was may.

May?? May??? You hinting that we're gonna win the Challenge Cup as well? Well, I'll go to't foot of our stairs.