[quote="Stu M":3q2hrf9t]You'll probably sign Robertson now... In all seriousness those 3 are very good players and I believe Stephens has signed a new 4 year deal. Robertson has been training at centre pre-season and again this has been offered up as a reason for Vaughan's disillusionment in that he is not starting. I think this Salford game in R1 is huge. Lose that and the atmosphere will very quickly become toxic. Depending on what team Salford are able to field will make a huge difference. If the takeover isn't complete then they can't play most of the players is my understanding. With a full strength team they are more than capable of beating us and Wellens plans of only having one pre-season friendly and resting half of the team will come back big time to bite him.[/quote:3q2hrf9t] Irrespective of what team Salford have out I think that you will give them a proper beating. Your first 3 games are heaven sent in terms of getting off to a good start. I’m pretty confident that you will be top of the table after 3 rounds. I don’t think that you will finish top come the end of the season but you will finish in the top 4 unless you have some real bad luck on the injuries front.

Seems like a media blackout re. the two Saints lads, wonder if the clubs are negotiating a deal to release them for this season, Saints won't want to spend anymore time/cash on their development and Wigan won't want them out of a pro environment for 12 months

[quote="Itchy Arsenal":1lj5dn69]Irrespective of what team Salford have out I think that you will give them a proper beating. Your first 3 games are heaven sent in terms of getting off to a good start. I’m pretty confident that you will be top of the table after 3 rounds. I don’t think that you will finish top come the end of the season but you will finish in the top 4 unless you have some real bad luck on the injuries front.[/quote:1lj5dn69] I don’t think Salford is a walk in the park as made out. They are a decent side and I imagine will be itching to settle things down on the pitch. I can see Saints getting beat in that game as they did in the pre season game with them

JV is an interesting one, I have read that he is England Academy captain and I recall on this forum that he caught the eye in the Reserves GF against us at centre.

[quote="WWste":vlalvwq3]I don’t think Salford is a walk in the park as made out. They are a decent side and I imagine will be itching to settle things down on the pitch. I can see Saints getting beat in that game as they did in the pre season game with them[/quote:vlalvwq3] When Salford have their full team out and are playing confidently, they're a very strong side. Rumours floating around a takeover might be announced tomorrow - if that's the case and Salford can keep their squad together then they'll be competing for the playoffs again if not top 4.