Hardly!

We were scratching around for bargain basement players all season, some paid off some didnt.

We have a lot of experience in our ranks.I don't see a reason why this squad can't maintain the intensity required.To be in this position now compared to the beginning of the season and most of the season really just goes beyond words.

I do think the experience on the park can outplay both mentally and physically any of the opposition this time round.Game management will be clearer to see,something we lacked last season.I believe we have a totally fit squad going into the 8's and some depth in structure.

Strange season, a little like tuning a piano,but I think its ready to be played.

Don't get me wrong I feel for some of the lads who will miss out but we need to have a good go this year and that is why DB has put all he has in we are never going to compete with sl clubs with good championship players so if that means replacing them at the bisness end of the season then wheeled that axe..

Maitua, higson and spencer would be in for me. Since bradford higson has been our best threequarter. I would not play burns unless we get injuries. Are we good enough, i think we can do it, but its going to be seriously tough, but we are in a far stronger position to last year.

I agree with almost all of that, although I suspect there are currently more players above Tom in the prop pecking order. (MoiMoi, Weston, Tickle, Acton, Hopkins, or even the likes of Hock or Hansen)

That would have been a very good SL pack 2 or 3 years ago.

Yeah right, all we need is a couple of World Class forwards from our Championship competitors



.

Hi Charlie, you dont think that would have been a very good SL pack 2 or 3 years ago?

Too inexperienced then - just coming into their prime now!

First 17 from the first page, apart from Dixon or Acton out, maitua in. Bags some vital tries, gives us much more strike on the edges than either of the other two.

I think Tonga did well today and wonder if he was fit & ready earlier but saved for the next "Stanza" lol (can't believe i saod Stanza)

Big Willie was fit four weeks ago, the physios and coaches have been getting his game fitness up and working on preventing the injuries recurring with special sessions for him. Great "new" signing for the 8's!

Jukes has a hell of hard job in 2 weeks time. So many options to juggle all of a sudden. AJ has looked great lately but can he hold on to a spot with the talent we have just signed and the players who have just come back from injury. Travis Burns will struggle to get a start probably, as will several other quality players.

I'm no coach but here is how I'd pick it for game 1.
1. McNally
2. Brown
3. Worthington
4. Tonga
5. Dawson
6. Ridyard
7. Drinkwater
8. Acton
9. Higham
10. Weston
11. Hock
12. Paterson
13. Hansen

14. Fui (impact from the bench)
15. Tickle
16. Burns (hooker, and cover for halfs)
17. Smith (cover for fullback, and all the back line in general)

I DO think it would have been a very good SL pack 2 or 3 years ago, but now it is even better,and the halves and backs are BETTER to,you at Fax should feel relieved you won't have to face us for a long time.

Hi charlie, I think its ambitious to say they are better now as all those players careers seem to be on the way down. I always look forward to our games against Leigh and am a little bit sad that we wont play them in the middle 8's but I look forward to seeing my friends from Leigh again next season.

Our games have gone dull its boring watching us put 58 on people.

Greg for all the wind ups and Banter, I still respect Fax and the opinions of your good self, it's a case of Que Sera Sera what happens in the 8's and next season, for now we Leythers will enjoy the ride,and if it means another trip to the Shay next season then so be it,as well as a Clown ,I'm a realist and know how hard the job in hand is.Take care.

We might draw you in the Challenge Cup, so it's not all doom and gloom for you guys

Greg - No doubt Charlie will be discussing life in the superleague and filling you guys in on his visit to the shay how well Leyth are doing in the top flight.

Not a bad call that. Tonga looked a real handful with the ball in hand and caused damage out wide. He is a big lad and you can see why he has played for Australia. Worthington at this moment is the best centre in the divsion. Great to see McNally back and doing what he does best, scoring tries and he is a potent attacking threat to the opposition.

I would only remove Acton, start with Moi Moi and bring in Hopkins off the bench as fresh legs, a big lad with great mobility.

That would be 3 games and probably 3 losses for us.

Toronto have announced Greg Worthington as another of their signings for 2017 earlier tonight.

Edit: And now Andrew Dixon as well

That's a dodgy Twitter account, nothing to do with the official club account. That's not to say they won't be signing, but the club haven't announced anything

Do you reckon Rowley thinks that announcing them now may disrupt the team. Reckon the club have moved promptly and replaced the 3 announced in the last 3 days with the coincidental signings of a winger a 2nd row and a centre. Nice try Paul