I think the game will be somewhat tougher than some think. That said, I think we will come away with the points in the end. I would say, by 8.



They are looking for a new half back, and think that will struggle if they don't bring one in. Maguire is class still, but Atkin is unproven at this level while this may be Me, but Marsh looks out of his depth. They have the cash so it will be interesting who they bring in.



Going back to the original post, having seen them a few times last year and one of this year's friendlies, Carney looks unfit and does not look the player to fear. I would be more concerned about the other side, Heffernan is a good all round centre, while Shaw is quick and scores tries for fun

I don't, we could easily lose this but it doesn't define the seaon first games never do.



What matters is that so long as we don't have an herrendous level of injuries this year come the mid season we will have far more players of quality to throw at games compared to say HKR.



I actually think they have a weakest squad possibly the worst in the comp. Good coach but then they said that about Brian Smith.



Biggest gamble is McGuir who I always thought to be a bit delicate, certainly not the roll up your sleeves player they need. This first game will likely be his best and then he'll collect his pension supplements - sorry HKR fans but we've all seen it before.

It is a marathon and not a sprint you are right.



However, if they do have the weakest squad in the league, it would be disappointing if we do lose, especially when people are saying this is the best SL squad we have ever had.



Last year we played 9 games against teams that finished in middle 8s, winning 8 of those. That is the sort of statistic that has let us down in the past, losing games we should be winning

Be interesting to see how McGuire gets on with not getting the lions share of 50/50 calls going his way - something he probably isn't used to. I can see him getting very frustrated and losing the plot a little TBH.

I thought the same in Leeds infamous 2016 season, when they werent winning and things didnt go their way, he seemed like a petulant school boy spitting his dummy out at all opportunities. Mind you, I guess you could look at it another way and say its just his desire to win at all costs and he doesnt care who he upsets to do this.

Indeed, however, every SL coach will want to register a "w" just as early in the season as possible.

We will be measured on our finishing position and not who our first victory is against but, as Warrington (last season) and Leeds (in the previous season) showed, it's very easy to drop into that losing habit and with the lottery of the Middle 8' we all want to get off to a good start, if only to stop the fans getting nervous

Fordy.... Not so sure about that !!!



Kendal is the ref and as far as I can recollect he absolutely hammered us everytime we had him last season.

Hope Kendall has improved on last season, was shocking at times.

I’ll stick my neck out and say I’m feeling pretty confident looking at the squads that we will have a healthy win.



It is the first game of the season though and anything can happen but whatever the result it likely won’t define either teams season.

I'd say that was the case at some clubs but luckily for CC our chairman seems to see the longer view. Clearly there is a limit but I think CC would know when he hit it.



Of course a first game win is nice especially if we wee at home but not vital. A good performance matters more imho

To be honest I was referring to the season as a whole not this particular match when I said that about McGuire. I just think he is used to wearing the Leeds shirt and getting the decisions, or being allowed to whinge about it when he doesn't, without getting the backlash that some of the "lesser" teams seem to get off referees.



I hadn't checked who the ref was for our first game but can understand your comment based on that.

Agree