This Season : Wed Feb 24, 2021 12:20 pm  

I don`t tend to read too much into predictions or others thoughts on where which team is going to finish the season, there are lots of different elements to take into account outside of ins and outs and last year’s performances which is what a lot of people seem to focus on but for me I am very optimistic about this upcoming season for a few reasons;

I think we are in a good position with the team; we have a number of players that have got better and better over the last few seasons, all of those players seem to be coming into there peak at the same time, this coupled with getting a couple of players back motivated and playing to there potential makes us a match for any team in the league IMO, I also think we are way over due some luck on the injury front!

I think even similar with our fringe players, they are now SL quality, the likes of Crowther, Batchelor, Walker, have shown they are effective at this level and I wouldn’t be disappointed at all to see them in a starting 17 every week, this helps us out not only in terms of depth for injuries but puts pressure on the starters to know they have to fight for there position every week.

We have a small turnover, only bringing in 2 players, the team have the advantage of not having to have the so called “Gelling” period whilst teams around us like KR, Leigh, Hudds have all lost or brought in around 10 players – More or less a new team so may take a while to get up to speed.

From what I have heard from the players, Lino seems to be exactly what we have been missing at 7, he seems like our kind of signing and hopefully he is just that but again if he doesn’t perform to expectations you have the likes of Hampshire, walker waiting for a chance at that shirt so I don`t think it will be a complete disaster.

We went through a rough patch last season under Chester, a lot put that down to COVID and injuries which I have no doubt played a part but I also think the fact that Chester and the club have taken the decision to provide Chester with 2 very experienced assistants in Andy Last and Willie Poaching is certainly no coincidence, I think having these 2 on board can only be a good thing for us, new ideas – I hear very good things about Last. Although not a lot of people talk about back room appointments when we have these discussions, I think these 2 will likely be the best appointments we have made in the last few years.

I realise there is a lot of unknowns at other clubs around the league, a lot of new coaches a lot of new look rosters and thats not even addressing the role that Covid/ the track and trace system could play in the season, but all that said, I am sticking my neck out and putting us somewhere around 7th/6th finish.

I have seen most posters put us down near the bottom again, does anyone share the same optimism as I do? Where do you think we will finish?

Re: This Season : Wed Feb 24, 2021 12:57 pm  

homme vaste wrote:

I don`t tend to read too much into predictions or others thoughts on where which team is going to finish the season, there are lots of different elements to take into account outside of ins and outs and last year’s performances which is what a lot of people seem to focus on but for me I am very optimistic about this upcoming season for a few reasons;

I think we are in a good position with the team; we have a number of players that have got better and better over the last few seasons, all of those players seem to be coming into there peak at the same time, this coupled with getting a couple of players back motivated and playing to there potential makes us a match for any team in the league IMO, I also think we are way over due some luck on the injury front!

I think even similar with our fringe players, they are now SL quality, the likes of Crowther, Batchelor, Walker, have shown they are effective at this level and I wouldn’t be disappointed at all to see them in a starting 17 every week, this helps us out not only in terms of depth for injuries but puts pressure on the starters to know they have to fight for there position every week.

We have a small turnover, only bringing in 2 players, the team have the advantage of not having to have the so called “Gelling” period whilst teams around us like KR, Leigh, Hudds have all lost or brought in around 10 players – More or less a new team so may take a while to get up to speed.

From what I have heard from the players, Lino seems to be exactly what we have been missing at 7, he seems like our kind of signing and hopefully he is just that but again if he doesn’t perform to expectations you have the likes of Hampshire, walker waiting for a chance at that shirt so I don`t think it will be a complete disaster.

We went through a rough patch last season under Chester, a lot put that down to COVID and injuries which I have no doubt played a part but I also think the fact that Chester and the club have taken the decision to provide Chester with 2 very experienced assistants in Andy Last and Willie Poaching is certainly no coincidence, I think having these 2 on board can only be a good thing for us, new ideas – I hear very good things about Last. Although not a lot of people talk about back room appointments when we have these discussions, I think these 2 will likely be the best appointments we have made in the last few years.

I realise there is a lot of unknowns at other clubs around the league, a lot of new coaches a lot of new look rosters and thats not even addressing the role that Covid/ the track and trace system could play in the season, but all that said, I am sticking my neck out and putting us somewhere around 7th/6th finish.

I have seen most posters put us down near the bottom again, does anyone share the same optimism as I do? Where do you think we will finish?

I do. The problem with all sports is that most people don't have the imagination or alternatively the imagination to see beyond that last season. They take nothing into account except for results and finishing position. I guarantee you had we won our last 2 games and finished 9th nobody would be placing us a wooden spoon contender, even though both of those were narrow losses with experimental teams. There problem, not mine.

I take into account far more than that and so should anyone who claims to follow the sport or he isn't looking for cheap points in the press.

1: Signings. Two proven in Battye and Senior and one reasonably high profile Mason. I'm happy with all three.

2: Injuries. No injuries, a massive plus for any team but for us after the 18 months we've ha it's monumental.

3: Player form. At the start of a season, I gauge this by players who may be heading towards their peak and those who may be on the slide. We have far more players who I feel have their best seasons to come rather than those who have had their time. I really only have concerns over a couple of players in the latter category, that's better than many teams.

4: Reserve strength. If there was one positive for us in Covis it was the sheer amount of game time we were able to give to young players. Far more than any normal season. I was delighted to see them all step up to varying degrees. We have far more options now than we would have had normally. A massive plus for a club that can't spend it's way out of trouble.

5: Genuine quality. That's players who would get into most SL teams and players who would get into any SL if fit and on form. TJ, Tupou, Lyne, Fifita, Miller, Ashurst, Tanginoa would all grace any team. Whilst the remaining 20 core players would find a place at other clubs. That is a strength we have never had in SL before and one we were robbed of over the last two seasons.

Finally, something I hadn't expected. A massive overhaul of the coaching set up. This could be the key, CC has had to soldier on since JK left and that left him with far less support staff than most other SL teams have. More than that I think both will really freshen up the team.

The truth is as at all clubs it's the attitude of the players that will decide the outcome but looking at Fifita alone that seems to have improved a lot. Over to you lads, it's all in place.

So yes, reasonably optimistic, think we will start slow but if we pick up enough wins to stay in contention at the start I reckon we could hit a purple patch later in the season, then who knows.

Re: This Season : Wed Feb 24, 2021 1:19 pm  

By all accounts they’re all training well. Stay COVID clear and relatively injury free we will do well.

Up the Trin

Re: This Season : Wed Feb 24, 2021 5:33 pm  

When Jowitt did is Zoom meeting he did say that the new coaches had brought fresh ideas .They were now been recorded on video at training,and any body who is not giving 100% gets told.TJ also said that the players started training early than most clubs so they could bit the floor running. at start of season .Leeds and Wigan to start ,win one of those and should set us up well for season

Re: This Season : Wed Feb 24, 2021 7:20 pm  

I normally hope for the best but as the season unfolds my expectations lower but I think this season is going to surprise many pundits and some supporters by being a good one

Re: This Season : Wed Feb 24, 2021 7:40 pm  

Big lads mate wrote:

I normally hope for the best but as the season unfolds my expectations lower but I think this season is going to surprise many pundits and some supporters by being a good one

I’m with you BLM, I’ve got a good feeling based on what I’ve been hearing, do you think a certain pundit would be up for another naked run bet?

Re: This Season : Wed Feb 24, 2021 9:48 pm  

financialtimes wrote:

I’m with you BLM, I’ve got a good feeling based on what I’ve been hearing, do you think a certain pundit would be up for another naked run bet?

God forbid, twice could send people blind.

Re: This Season : Thu Feb 25, 2021 1:05 pm  

Consistency in the team selection is key this year. Lost count of how many different combinations between halfbacks and fullbacks we had last season.

Re: This Season : Thu Feb 25, 2021 4:49 pm  

financialtimes wrote:

I’m with you BLM, I’ve got a good feeling based on what I’ve been hearing, do you think a certain pundit would be up for another naked run bet?

Hope so because he makes even me look good

Re: This Season : Thu Feb 25, 2021 6:43 pm  

I started feeling a little more confidence for the coming season when I first heard the news that Willie P was rejoining the club. Only a trickle of new signings but all good ones in my opinion.