Is it better in the championship watching a winning side or the previous weekly slog of SL defeats interspersed with the odd win?

I watched a bit of the haven v toronto game earlier and really enjoyed the old fashioned mud bath

It's nice for a change but wouldn't want it to continue for more than a season

From a personal perspective, this is much preferable to 2016. Obviously. That really was 'the odd win interspersed', and I was frustrated that short-term measures seemed to be seen as potentially undermining long-term planning, rather than being a necessary complement to it.

Our second and third worst SL seasons (discounting 2007 which has to judged by very different standards) were 2012 and 2015. The concept of one step forward to take two forward made me nervous and with hindsight 2012 is when we lost momentum, IMO. The run of narrow losses at the end of that season got wearisome, but it could be seen as transitional at the time and we were better in 2013. Both '12 and '15 had highlights - at the etihad in '12 and the cup semi in '15 (ignoring the painful sequel). Overall pretty mediocre, but not complete cack - and at least you could think 'there's always next year'. While we're winning now, full-time rugby is not sustainable outside SL and SL is not really attainable without a full-time team.

Basically it is a nice enough appetiser ahead of highly pressured main course.

Watching a winning side is more satisfying when the opponents actually put up a fight. To be honest, I'd prefer to be in SL and the club have more money.

I think the apparent lack of intensity in most of your games will make the transition into the middle 8's more difficult

It actually makes you realise the likes of hicks and child aren't too bad. The ref today was so bad he actually made me think he was doing a comedy act.

I'm bored to tears already, the minutes silence was the highlight today.

6 down 17 more to go. I'm sure we will get tougher challenges ahead but we really need a couple of cup games v SL sides so we can see how far off the pace we are/ aren't.

I think once we've got Easter out of the way against what should be our most challenging opponents, we will have a better idea of how the team measures up.
I hope that by round 18/19 we are recruiting for the 8's and the new players will heighten our intensity and play.

Some of our present squad are untried at a higher level and the big question is do we take a chance with them or bring in the experience that will be needed.

Based on what you have seen so far, what positions would you look to recruit for the 8's?

A genuine line break second row and a 6 with lightening pace would be good.
I would personally also like a an experienced 8 who can come on and settle things down when we come up against the much bigger super league packs ( ala Mick Weyman)

Am I right in thinking you are full on the quota?

If so, going to make your recruitment much tougher.

If you get a 6, what would you do with Abdul?

It's a tricky one, and I think Biltonrobin makes a good point about going for experience or giving younger players a chance.

Heffernan and Minns are ripping it up at centre in the championship, while Blair and Greenwood have been relatively subdued in the second row. The latter pair might be better able to stand up to the challenges of the 8s though.

Prop would be my first priority. after that, I think it is more about getting somebody who can offer something special - whether in terms of quality or leadership - more than their position.

Injuries might change things too, as the season progresses.