Hopes and Dreams for a New Season : Mon Dec 09, 2024 6:44 pm  

https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/wh ... ull-fc-8th The only good thing about the off-season, is that anything is possible in the imagination of fans. The Love Rugby League article suggests that aspirations of clubs start at finishing 8th and moving up to the play-offs and peeking at silverware. Last years predictions seemed to consist of everybody correctly the eventual winners of everything (Pies) and the team finishing bottom (London) The top teams were supposed to be Wigan, Saints and Catalans. Leeds were going to storm the league, Warrington was an unknown with a new manager in Burgess. Hull KR would be in the play-offs. Salford and Leigh would struggle with Leeds stealing the crown jewels from Salford, and Leigh would suffer second season syndrome. London, Cas, Huddersfield and Hull FC would be bottom half. If anything 2025 looks more difficult to judge than 2024, Leigh are essentially a new team with plenty of new faces. Realistically where are Leigh going to finish in 2025?

https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/wh ... ull-fc-8th The only good thing about the off-season, is that anything is possible in the imagination of fans. The Love Rugby League article suggests that aspirations of clubs start at finishing 8th and moving up to the play-offs and peeking at silverware. Last years predictions seemed to consist of everybody correctly the eventual winners of everything (Pies) and the team finishing bottom (London) The top teams were supposed to be Wigan, Saints and Catalans. Leeds were going to storm the league, Warrington was an unknown with a new manager in Burgess. Hull KR would be in the play-offs. Salford and Leigh would struggle with Leeds stealing the crown jewels from Salford, and Leigh would suffer second season syndrome. London, Cas, Huddersfield and Hull FC would be bottom half. If anything 2025 looks more difficult to judge than 2024, Leigh are essentially a new team with plenty of new faces. Realistically where are Leigh going to finish in 2025?

Re: Hopes and Dreams for a New Season : Tue Dec 10, 2024 6:46 am  

Every year comes with a prediction that teams will be a lot closer competitively.

Personally I think Wigan and KR will be the lead teams again.

Warrington might be close. Still not convinced Leeds have the complete squad, same with Saints plus add in the Wellens factor.

Cats are going backwards, don't see Giants improving either

Salford might be distracted by off field issues.

Can Hull improve with their new old squad?

Cas should improve, Wakey could either do a London or do a Leigh-23.

I agree this is our transition year but we should still be better than half the league

Re: Hopes and Dreams for a New Season : Tue Dec 10, 2024 8:48 am  

Lots I could and usually do say but I’ll keep this simple.
4th, and a shot at making the Grand Final if the injury Gods treat us kindly.:….
(And we can pick up a big athletic prop and a quality halfback with a strong kicking game).

Re: Hopes and Dreams for a New Season : Tue Dec 10, 2024 9:27 am  

If we can extend Ipape’s contract, and not lose any key players, I’d take an 8th placed finish, knowing it would put us in a good place for 2026

Re: Hopes and Dreams for a New Season : Tue Dec 10, 2024 4:17 pm  

Personally, I think where we finish will be determined by the quality or otherwise of our next two overseas signings. Prospects could be enhanced even further with a certain British half back signing from that team of old duffers up the East Lancs Road.

Until our recruitment - and retention - is finalised then it is too soon for me, for the moment, to speculate.

Re: Hopes and Dreams for a New Season : Wed Dec 11, 2024 8:25 pm  

My hopes and dreams for the new season. Get Edwin Ipape signed up until end of 2027 when he will probably join the PNG NRL team for 2028 and do the same with Lachlan Lam with both on marquee contracts. Get Jock Madden signed up quick and if Ben Condon does not materialise, use the remaining quota spot on a big dynamic prop. Hoping for a strong start to the season building towards a top four finish and a successful cup run.

Re: Hopes and Dreams for a New Season : Thu Dec 12, 2024 1:59 pm  

I think we will be in the top 6 again, probably 4th, 5th or 6th. We definitely need another big enforcer prop and an experienced 6. I expect another exciting season. Hopefully a good cup run and less injuries. Looking forward to seeing the good young 'uns they've brought into the squad, especially David Armstrong. He's a Billy Whizz!! With my cryptos starting to take off, I might buy the LSV in a couple of seasons - lol

Re: Hopes and Dreams for a New Season : Fri Dec 13, 2024 4:20 am  

Now that PNG have been awarded a franchise in the nrl for 2028, we could be looking for a new half back, hooker and possibly a new coach in a couple of seasons, if not before.

Re: Hopes and Dreams for a New Season : Fri Dec 13, 2024 6:40 am  

Don't know about anyone else but I associate hopes and dreams with optimism, not pessimism