According to Saints fans they’ll see how good we are when the injuries pile up….don’t think they’re aware we’re already struggling in that regard.

They are right, to a point. We are largely untested. Leeds offered nothing, Huddersfield we’re awkward but if we’re honest they looked like they were still in pre-season mode, and Salford aren’t expected to be challenging towards the top end of the table. And we’ve faced them with the core of the team fit and healthy, with only McGuire, Nicholson and maybe Dudson from the first choice 17. The test will come at some point where we need to be without Williams. That is the puzzle piece we would miss most, then Drinkwater, Dufty, Ashton, Vaughan etc.

But, the indicators are there that we are equipped to cope. Other than the second row/centre sections, we are quite well stocked.

If you flip this, the sides we've faced will have played more games together and will already have had much more gelling time given the upheaval of last season. If it's anyone who could make an excuse, it's us.

Agree on the second row/centre.

I’ve never bought into the gel theory.
You’re good enough or not good enough.
10 new signings and top of the league, if there was ever proof to back up,
gel is bullocks, there it is.

We have been in camp uninterrupted since November to be fair. One player affected by the WC. So far as pre season goes that is the most smooth sailing I can recall. So that would aide the “gelling”.

Sorry RD but combinations need to be built, you get to anticipate how your team mate reacts in a given situation.. Not sure why you are picking on the future legend J Bullock but it even applies to him.

That's just training, it's a different kettle of fish in a real competitive game. We've only played 3 games together as a full squad, whereas the teams we've faced have had most of their players battle hardened as a team collective for much longer than us.

Still a long way to go, but I'm extremely positive about where we are and where we could go.

What I will say is that we've had to come out the blocks on fire to prove last season a blip. The other sides we've faced wouldn't of had that same pressure. That pressure, I think, has served us well.

Time test

I don't think Chelsea fans would agree with this, for one, given the amount of money they've spent.


If teams don't need to gel, then why bother with training sessions, the players could just turn up on match day?

When you get a new or hire car, takes about 5mins to get to grips with it.
Try starting a new job and not get up to speed and see if you last 1,2,3 months there!

Although these posts I make take an hour to gel!

christ

Do you think teams could ditch gameplan training? If they don't need to gel, why bother.