Finish top, win the GF and the CC.



Nothing less

It can go either way. If our new coach carries on from where he left off then we’re doomed. But if he’s miraculously recovered from that doomed spell at Harlequins and returned to the coach eh once was whilst at Leeds then we have a good leader. James Lowes is also a concern as he like Paul Cullen couldn’t get the best out of Warrington.



However this squad of players are more professional than the ones at Warrington. We could probably have had Kevin Sinfield as player/coach this year. So I think that if The coaches don’t make too many changes and just freshen things up then my expectations are high. At the moment I think that we're capable of going for it all if the off season is anything to go by.



But any pointless meddling will just lead to a season of low expectations.

At the moment I am fairly optamistic. I agree I just think we had a slightly dissapointing year by our standards last year because we had won 3 in arow before that. Not sure we will win it but from what ihave seen pre season we have as good a chance as any. Hopefully with mags and jp missing for first half others will step up and take on their roles. But I certainly don't see us in decline or that much of a aging team. Seems to me we are doing the sensable thing and bringing in the youngsters in gradually with a nice blend of experience and youth

Anything less than top 4 and a decent cup run has to be considered a massive failure with the squad we've got surely?!

That's just daft. Have you not looked at other squads?



I can see this board clamouring for the sacking of the coaching team come August. Anything outside of top 6 is a failure and needs addressing, but above that is a realisation of the competition.

Controversial.

Not debating that some of the other squads are strong this year, but for a squad with as much quality as ours with a new coaching system in place we ought to be pushing for honours come the end of the season, which I think we may be.

I'm interested that you mention both Hull clubs and Huddersfield as having strengthened to a point where they are at least the equal of Leeds. Willie Mason apart, where do you consider they've significantly upgraded?



Hull FC have lost one of their most influential players in Berrigan, Huddersfield have a large number of players coming off a shortened off-season which will hit them as they year goes on.

That would be good lol



Personally I would like us to win the Challenge Cup and think we are capable of doing so!

It was an opinion, we will just have to see what pans out when the results have happend.



But I am interested as to where you believe I said both Hull clubs are the equal of Leeds? I said improved, but I don't think I made any mention of been equal did I?



I did say Huddersfield were stronger, which like I said is an opinion. Putting the opinion that some Leeds players will go backwards aside, I believe Huddersfield look very good for this year. Obviously a thought matched by the England selectors considering the squads for the last tour. But I think O'Donnell is a very good signing that will improve them, and I am really excited about seeing how Partrick, Lawrence, and Cudjoe have developed further. To add to this I think a fully fit Kirmond for the year will see him come on leaps and bounds, and I strongly believe you will see a better Danny Brough this year with a preseason under Nathan Brown. Just like I personally believe a couple of Leeds players are a "spent force", I also have the opinion that Brett Hodgson was also one, and I just don't think the Giants will miss him.

If Hull FC have improved, given they only finished 3 points behind Leeds in 2010 that must surely put them on a level footing, no? Particularly given that one or two unnamed Leeds players are "a spent force" while others are "going backwards".

Ahh, it's a fair enough point, but very simplistic. Finishing positions I have pointed out are not necessarily the only judge of improvement.



Infact you missed this part of my post out







I think the same of both Hull clubs also by the way. Might that therefore be a net effect? resulting in improvement without been on equal footing.