[Chris71]

Re: So...... 2020 B&W predictions : Sun Jan 26, 2020 1:47 pm  

I’m hopeful of a good season with the recruitment that was done and the addition of Purtill to the coaching set up. As JTP has said the squad AP has given us is probably one of the best squads in SL. We are though one experienced/quality prop short I feel but that said we still have a squad to rival the big 4 imo.

The pressure is certainly on to perform and hit the heights they should be capable of reaching and don’t think AP will settle for anything less than a huge improvement on the past two seasons.

Re: So...... 2020 B&W predictions : Sun Jan 26, 2020 2:30 pm  

Mrs Barista wrote:

I think I read yesterday that Rugby League World predicts 6th place for us but can't find the tweet now.

So you only think you read and now cannot find said tweet

Despite our opposing views there may be larger clubs in terms of gates or revenue but this season thanks to Adam we are competing financially on the field with the squad we have assembled.
Saints aside there is no better assembled squad then ours this season, putting your prop argument aside, even you must concede that.

Top 4 is a must with this team and the financial backing it has received, not only from most fans but our owner too.

If you want to argue against that and set your bar low again go and discuss it with Adam and see what he things to your hypothesis.

Re: So...... 2020 B&W predictions : Sun Jan 26, 2020 3:22 pm  

Bombed Out wrote:

So you only think you read and now cannot find said tweet

Despite our opposing views there may be larger clubs in terms of gates or revenue but this season thanks to Adam we are competing financially on the field with the squad we have assembled.
Saints aside there is no better assembled squad then ours this season, putting your prop argument aside, even you must concede that.

Top 4 is a must with this team and the financial backing it has received, not only from most fans but our owner too.

If you want to argue against that and set your bar low again go and discuss it with Adam and see what he things to your hypothesis.

In my opinion we are in the mix for the top two
Would liked to have seen Ligi Sao at 13 but looks likely now he will be played in the front row.
One concern for me is that Radford is looking to find a spot for Jake Connor rather than playing players in their best positions.
Kelly should be our starting 6 even if it means leaving Connor out or a place on the bench but given the heavy grounds in winter i would rather have Griffin on the bench.

Re: So...... 2020 B&W predictions : Sun Jan 26, 2020 3:43 pm  

bonaire wrote:

In my opinion we are in the mix for the top two
Would liked to have seen Ligi Sao at 13 but looks likely now he will be played in the front row.
One concern for me is that Radford is looking to find a spot for Jake Connor rather than playing players in their best positions.
Kelly should be our starting 6 even if it means leaving Connor out or a place on the bench but given the heavy grounds in winter i would rather have Griffin on the bench.

Kelly definitely best 6 we have. It's nice to have quality throughout the back line, nice headache selection have.
For me Connor is a starting centre, too good to leave out.

Re: So...... 2020 B&W predictions : Sun Jan 26, 2020 4:41 pm  

Bombed Out wrote:

So you only think you read and now cannot find said tweet

Despite our opposing views there may be larger clubs in terms of gates or revenue but this season thanks to Adam we are competing financially on the field with the squad we have assembled.
Saints aside there is no better assembled squad then ours this season, putting your prop argument aside, even you must concede that.

Top 4 is a must with this team and the financial backing it has received, not only from most fans but our owner too.

If you want to argue against that and set your bar low again go and discuss it with Adam and see what he things to your hypothesis.

I enjoyed your use of bold, so will reply in kind.

I've checked. Rugby League World predicts us finishing 6th. I don't think it's as funny as you do, but I do think it's a fair appraisal from an independent perspective and understand their rationale. I follow a lot of people on social media, so scrolling back is a bit of a chore, but I was right.

Look, you can't tell me what I must and mustn't "concede", so please don't be so imperious. I'm not in the market for being "persuaded" by you in this fashion. You seem happy to sweep the front row issue under the carpet, which is your prerogative, but Taylor apart I don't think our props are Top 4 calibre. I suspect RLW don't either.

"Top 4 is a must". Not for me it isn't. Adam will have his own ambitions and perspectives, of course, and his are infinitely more important than mine (although not really to you it seems as a scan through your recent posting history shows a very high proportion of posts with the intention of directly or indirectly belittling my honestly held and moderate opinions). I don't feel I need to address him directly in this regard - what would I say exactly? "Hi Adam, decent recruitment, hopeful and excited for the season ahead, lots of stuff we can't legislate for as ever, but I'll back the team regardless as I've done for 30 years. Crack on and let's see what happens. Cheers." I mean, what is he meant to do with that?

We can continue this as long as you like. You getting cross and telling me what I should/shouldn't/can/can't think or say. Me listening and explaining why I disagree. But it's quite repetitive. Less entitlement, more enjoying the journey serves me very well. Honestly, I've never been more chipper.

Re: So...... 2020 B&W predictions : Sun Jan 26, 2020 4:43 pm  

For me, as is stands at the moment, Connor wouldn't get into my starting 13.
Griffin gives 100% for 80 minutes, as does Carlos, and then there's Fonua, so who starts at centre next week is going to disappoint someone.
Maybe not playing Faraimo is the easiest option.
Kelly at 6 is a must as far as I'm concerned.

Re: So...... 2020 B&W predictions : Sun Jan 26, 2020 4:46 pm  

ccs wrote:

For me, as is stands at the moment, Connor wouldn't get into my starting 13.
Griffin gives 100% for 80 minutes, as does Carlos, and then there's Fonua, so who starts at centre next week is going to disappoint someone.
Maybe not playing Faraimo is the easiest option.
Kelly at 6 is a must as far as I'm concerned.

I agree, but would be harsh to leave Faraimo out based on pre season. Griffin and Kelly must play.

Re: So...... 2020 B&W predictions : Sun Jan 26, 2020 4:50 pm  

Mrs Barista wrote:

I agree, but would be harsh to leave Faraimo out based on pre season. Griffin and Kelly must play.

You're probably right, but I suspect some players will be less happy not being picked than others.

Re: So...... 2020 B&W predictions : Sun Jan 26, 2020 5:02 pm  

ccs wrote:

You're probably right, but I suspect some players will be less happy not being picked than others.

Well they need to justify selection then..

Re: So...... 2020 B&W predictions : Sun Jan 26, 2020 5:13 pm  

Connor Griffin centres, Carlos im sorry but back up. Wings Fonua and Naulago, Swift & Faraimo back up, Kelly and Sneyd Halfs - thats your back line