if that's your opiion mate fair enough





from watching him every week, he does tackle well above his weight, you're right... But structurally, he's a bugger for shooting up out the line, and we all know he can be a bit hot-headed when things aren't running well for him.



he's a class act and I think he would edge Smith in defence but, I'd certainly keep him busy in the line and get into him at every opportunity.



It'll be interesting to see how he (andCas) go next year without the Tigers being "the one-man rangi band"





hopefully both will do better

The difference is Chase will give it a go and sometimes gets it wrong with head high or shooting out of line. Good tactics can play on that.



Smith will probably stand to the side and let you go but if the team know that they cover him so it's argueable which is worse.

I mainly ony see wakefield on highlights, and I could cry when I watch Smith back out of a tackle... I guess I don't see the other 9/10 plays where this isn't costly.



I get what you're saying. To me then, the approach would be to run at Chase to try gain field position, then target SMith in the attacking 20.



....easy game this rugby league

Dont think we should be overloading our players with to many tactics Dave. From watching the pre season games they first have to understand that you are allowed to catch the ball on the full from the kick off, thats its a good idea to try and retain poscession of the ball when in your own half, that if you tackle round the legs its difficult for your opponent to move forward. I really beleive that collectively our players simply do not understand that the game is all about field position and possession. Keep it simple.

come on mate, surely they can't be that bad... I think they will struggle like hell personally - 12-17 points would be my guess - but I don't think they're inept...

Dependant on our imports turning up in good shape I'd go with..



Mathers

Fox

Collis

L. Smith if here if not Keinhorst

Briscoe

Sykes

Godinet

Tautai

Mcshane

Raleigh

Kirmond

Lauitiiti

Washbrook



Subs.

Anderson

D.Smith

Ryan or Walshaw

Wildie

has (will) everygone got (get) there clearance ? hope to see you all in good numbers on the 16th , don`t forget the parachute regiments red devils will be dropping in pre match , hopefully they will be the only devils you`ll enjoy watching that day , enjoy the season , good luck

I went back to the clinic yesterday and although there is still a bit of a rash, the doc gave me the all clear to come over next week, so assuming it doesn't flare up again, I should be there.

So nice of you to ask though...

no probs i`ll be waiting at birch services with hm customs bring your doctors note for clarification or your not getting your visa stamped :0)

Big week for Rich. Picking a team from a not ideal pre season. Game called off and imports arriving the week before the first game. He will no doubt be looking at a few things with the imports. A What shape they are in. B Can they adapt to the patterns of play/moves in offence in this first week. C Is it worth sticking them into a fierce first game if not fully fit for injuries etc.



For me we certainly need another pivot playing so hopefully Godinet is ready. Think this is the most important. We need big strong props so secondly I'd like Anderson to play but we do have cover. Matt Ryan is the position we least need to rush, that is if he does play second row. Although I'm looking forward to seeing Matt rip it up we do have Kirmond, Ali, Annakin, Tauti who can fill that position.



I'm sure Rich will be watching whose putting it in, in training as well as matches. Something we don't see. As its a big opening game with the spotlight certainly on Koukash merry men, does Rich go for experience who have handled big games or give others who haven't played first team as much like some of the youngsters.



I couldn't pick a team because I have only watched Fev game as I was away for Hunslet. However from last season and Fev I would like Annakin to force a regular spot. Would also like to see Wildie back himself from dummy half a lot more, making yards like Roby/burrow etc when the markers aren't in position. He's nippy and quite strong for his size. A great kid.



Whatever team we put out, good luck boys....

Sadly Mick, you won't be seeing Annakin do that for a few games at least as he is out injured.

My Team

Mathers

Fox

Collis

Keinhorst

Briscoe (Salford have built a big back line so we can't carry too many weak D players)

Sykes

Godinet (let him just play, he won't know the system so just give him some freedom)

Moore

McShane

Tautai (Raleigh doesn't look over his op yet, give him another week before starting him)

Kirmond

Ryan

Washbrook (would have gone for Anakin)



Wildie

Lauitiiti

D Smith

Raleigh