It appears that we are going into this season in good shape. No injuries to worry about, optimism about how we are going to play. Good preparation in the warm up games, which for once have been played by the first team, who looked sharp, albeit against not the strongest opposition.

Is this a sign that we are going to charge into the season in true Brown fashion, and will run out of steam half way through, or that we genuinely are well prepared?

I am personally hugely positive about this season, and can see no reason why we shouldn't be competing for trophys on a level playing field with the rest of SL. The last couple of seasons, I have expected us to be up there, in the top 4, and outside bets for silverware. This season, I think we have as good a chance as anyone, and certainly on a par with Warrington (who are aging) and Leeds (who appear to have the magic touch). I think Wigan are going to struggle, and Hull, Hudds, Cats could sneak into the top spots.

Thoughts?

I think Leeds will win from 10th. Don't ask me how, they just will.

We do look in good shape, but the question will be if we can maintain it though the important part of the season.
I think everyones expectations of Wigans demise are a bit early. They have a weaker sqaud no doubt, especially in the halves but the league is weak and they'll still be top 4

There or there abouts, but we won't win anything with the backs as they are. If Brown had the bottle to play Hohaia or Makinson at fullback potentially.

Change the record. It won't happen.

Deal with it.

I think we're stronger than last year. Warrington and Catalans are our main rivals in my opinion, but then again, Leeds will probably perform their usual end of season miracle.

Worse than wakefield's, they are.......

I expect to see a more expansive style of rugby this season. We will be there or there abouts, and we are much stronger this year IMO. To predict where we will finish you have to look at the teams around us, Warrington, Wigan, etc.., who haven't really strengthened to be honest. Losing players like Leuluai, Finch and Carmont will make a huge difference for Wigan, and Warrington haven't really signed anyone during the off season. Hull and Leeds are stronger than last year, and it wouldn't surprise me if one of those two separated the so called "top 3"

Saints are in good shape, and playing Gaskell at 6 will be like a new signing for us. Manu is a great addition down the left, and with the younger players like Greenwood, Walmsley and Hand for example, we have plenty of strength in depth, and have a good mixture of youth and experiance.

We weren't to far off last year, so I see know reason why we won't pick up at least one major trophy this year.

Just a quick question, who do you think will be kicking Makinson or Lomax?

Purely for dream team purposes cheers.

Turner.

Just Clough and (sigh) Wheeler that haven't featured yet.

I think what I'm most excited about this year is Gaskell playing 6. Not just because he a talent and he improves our attacking shape, but mainly because of the (hopefully) positive effect he has on Johnnycake Lomax's game.

It was a joy to watch the pair sof them throughout 2011.

Our forwards excite me this year. I keep harping on about it, but I think we have the strongest pack in the league.