Realistic expectations for next season............. : Sat Dec 06, 2008 1:58 pm  

In an ideal world we would finish top and win the Grand Final, but in the real world we know that aint gonna happen......yet!

So where do you realistically feel we will finish next season, with a good run without any injuries, and if we can avoid the silly early season loses that have blighted the last couple of years, I can see us getting fourth??

Over to you.............................

: Sat Dec 06, 2008 2:25 pm  

Top 4 finnish, semi finals of challenge cup, semi final GF, Man of Steel.

: Sat Dec 06, 2008 3:31 pm  

Who will MOS be then?? Steve Menzies??

: Sat Dec 06, 2008 4:48 pm  

Bit of luck and we could get to Wembley. Realistically we'll reach quarters or semis and then get knocked out.

League wise I reckon 4th if we play really well and don't have as many injuries as last year. Otherwise 5th or 6th.

Playoffs could go anywhere and we could see a side other than Leeds and Saints get to OT. The new format will throw up a couple of surprises I feel.

: Sat Dec 06, 2008 5:14 pm  

Burgess or Menzies for MOS.

: Sat Dec 06, 2008 5:44 pm  

Im quite optimistic about the comming season, i think alot is being put on Menzies shoulders rightly so IMO, but if the team gel quickly and Toupu keeps his promises we could push for top 3.

: Sat Dec 06, 2008 6:20 pm  

I think the a lot of players from last year have the ability to improve a great deal. People such as Nero, Solomona, Newton, Langley, Jeffries need to show some greater consistency throughout the year. Tupou if fit and ready could be a bonus but I remain unconvinced to be honest. I think we have signed a few quality players and with some luck with injuries I expect we can finish 3rd or more likely 4th.

Winning a trophy would be nice but perhaps pretty unlikely other that maybe in the CC, but we need to see the club stringing more than 2 or 3 wins together at a time. A reasonably consistent league performance with a top 4 finish and a win against Leeds would certainly be a step in the right direction. If we have a similar year to this past season and show no sign of improvement.. then I would support not renewing McNamara's contract. It's make or break time for quite a few at the club, I'm reasonably optimistic they can deliver though.

: Sat Dec 06, 2008 7:09 pm  

We will WIN the Superleague, Deacon will get Man of Steel & the Bulls will regain their title as the leading name in British Rugby League.

Nothing less will do, in my opinion

Ps - I tipped Joe to be "King of the Jungle", so I am on a roll !!

It would be interesting to note Tigertot's comments (What a daft name eh ? )

: Sat Dec 06, 2008 7:37 pm  

I think our season will go on the performances and consistancy of 3 players, they are Chris Nero, Micheal Platt and Ben Jeffries. If they can perform to the standard that they can there is no reason why we cant be challenging for the title, i think we are quite strong everywhere else. I really want to see a good season from Jeffries, he could be one of the best halfbacks in the league but he is not consistant to show that, the guy has Speed, good hands and a good kicking game but he is very frustrating at times. Leeds and St.Helens are going to struggle in the centres next year so we need a good season from Sykes and Nero to be up there. There is only Warrington who have 2 world class centres in the league.

: Sat Dec 06, 2008 7:43 pm  

6Iestyn6 wrote:

I think our season will go on the performances and consistancy of 3 players, they are Chris Nero, Micheal Platt and Ben Jeffries. If they can perform to the standard that they can there is no reason why we cant be challenging for the title, i think we are quite strong everywhere else. I really want to see a good season from Jeffries, he could be one of the best halfbacks in the league but he is not consistant to show that, the guy has Speed, good hands and a good kicking game but he is very frustrating at times. Leeds and St.Helens are going to struggle in the centres next year so we need a good season from Sykes and Nero to be up there. There is only Warrington who have 2 world class centres in the league.

Am not having a go here but do you really think your squad is anywhere near good enough (not just 1-17) to be anywhere near Leeds or Saints and come to think of it possibly Wigan?

Think you will also find that if we play Watkins and Senior at centre, we wont struggle!