Leigh improve, Bulls get worse : Tue Dec 08, 2015 8:49 pm  

Am I the only one incredibly worried that Leigh have signed: Willie Tonga, Rangi Chase, Harrison Hansen, Cory Paterson and Reni Maitua.

And we have signed some unknown championship players and have lost one of our best players Jake Mullaney and it's rumored Dane Nielsen isn't returning.

I don't see how we can compete unless we have an ace up our sleeve but the board seem to hint there isn't one and our recruitment could be complete.

Re: Leigh improve, Bulls get worse : Tue Dec 08, 2015 9:01 pm  

No you're not. Last season was our best chance to bounce back to Super League, but Wakefield totally rebuilt for the eights, and other teams made major changes. Leigh's season fell apart at the end and they appear to have reacted, the Super League teams will be stronger, and we can't afford to match them. I think we should start getting used to the Championship until we find a rich sugar daddy.

Re: Leigh improve, Bulls get worse : Tue Dec 08, 2015 9:28 pm  

TBF the message we got about recruitment doesn't seem to be panning out. Didn't they say little recruitment, more quality less quantity?

Re: Leigh improve, Bulls get worse : Tue Dec 08, 2015 10:48 pm  

The thing is, Leigh have taken cast offs from Salford. Now, on paper they're a good side but attitude will have a big part to play in how Leigh go next year.

Our team was the one that got to the MPG and we've kept the majority of that team together. Yes, we've lost one of our major a tracking threats in Mullaney, but there's no sense in knee jerk reactions and complaining the grass is greener elsewhere.

Leigh are pretty much locked into a SL or bust mentality which I hope for the sake of their fans doesn't bite them in the booty

Re: Leigh improve, Bulls get worse : Tue Dec 08, 2015 10:51 pm  

We will be fine once Leigh get their points deduction for breaking that salary cap.

Re: Leigh improve, Bulls get worse : Tue Dec 08, 2015 10:55 pm  

debaser wrote:

We will be fine once Leigh get their points deduction for breaking that salary cap.

That won't happen. Why do you think they've been shedding squad players and didn't announce Chase's signature until after the news about the increased championship cap was announced?

As I've said elsewhere, Leigh will have a good 17 on paper, but little in the way of depth and should the behind the scenes troubles that dogged Salford's season follow certain players to Leigh then they might not even have that

Re: Leigh improve, Bulls get worse : Wed Dec 09, 2015 12:16 am  

debaser wrote:

We will be fine once Leigh get their points deduction for breaking that salary cap.

The RFL monitor signings/finances, you cannot sign anyone without going 'over the limit'....that's why Rangi Chase wasn't confirmed till 24 hours after the cap was increased.

Re: Leigh improve, Bulls get worse : Wed Dec 09, 2015 7:58 am  

Leigh have obviously built a team based on SL experience , but it could be that they have looked at availability rather than commitment. From an outsiders point of view it would appear they are determined to gain S L entry at any cost and it's just not that simple.
Could it be that Bradford see the present squad good enough to obtain an 8 position and then splash some cash.

Re: Leigh improve, Bulls get worse : Wed Dec 09, 2015 8:03 am  

Marcus Notsquare wrote:

No you're not. Last season was our best chance to bounce back to Super League, but Wakefield totally rebuilt for the eights, and other teams made major changes. Leigh's season fell apart at the end and they appear to have reacted, the Super League teams will be stronger, and we can't afford to match them. I think we should start getting used to the Championship until we find a rich sugar daddy.

Which is why it will be difficult just to get to the MPG, never mind winning it.

Re: Leigh improve, Bulls get worse : Wed Dec 09, 2015 8:24 am  

I wouldn't just limit it to Leigh.
From what I can see, the likes of Sheffield and Halifax have improved squads this year too. As well as Wakefield who are likely Super 8 opponents (if we make it).

All the teams, with the exception maybe of Salford, who I would say are our closest rivals in terms of league placings, have improved their squads I would say. I don't think our squad is better than it was last year, especially with the lack of quality in key positions like 1 and 7.

This time last year I was at least confident we could compete in our own division and push as close to promotion as possible without actually getting it. Now I'd say making the Middle 8s is a success and then not finishing bottom of it.