A few weeks ago Agar described this weekends fixture against Cas as a full dress rehersal for the Widnes fixture.
Are we to expect a significant improvement from the Catalan result or more of the same ?

i'd be looking for key individuals to get a good strong 60 mins each. the result really isn't important, so long as it's not a towelling then i'll be happy. not concerned in the slightest if we win, lose or draw other than that.

We should be looking to post a good performance, plenty of time on the pitch for those likely to be in the 18 for Widnes.
The result, following a shallacking in the South of France, IS important, for confidence if nothing else.

I think our lack of available forward power will see Cas win comfortably.

^ i agree

cas will have more of an attacking style under millward and will throw the ball about more. we need to dominate in the middle to cut this down.

last year, not many teams actually came through the middle (although many did dominate), most of them found huge gaps out wide..

i am not sure that this match will be "friendly"

Do we think "Bluey" will be back for this one, he'd certainly make a difference in the middle of the park.
It was noticable against Leeds that we were stronger when he was on the field.

fully agree with that mate. just hope it doesn't get embarrassing.

Friendly or no friendly we have to aim to hammer these muppets on every occasion !! Show no mercy !!!

Thats the spirit!!!

I'd expect us to continue developing our combinations, to forge a better understanding of each others defensive capabilities, to become more comfortable with the structures employed by the coaches and to display levels of fitness that are approaching those required during the season.

I'd love to see glimpses of quality that offer a window into the future of what we can expect throughout the season. Maybe some of the players will feel sufficiently confident to cut loose and display some of their class as an individual.

I'd like us to be competitive, hard to handle and once or twice be unplayable. Whether we win or lose there'll be much to look for and hopefully a lot of positives to take from the game.

Half back combo ? John & Smith, or will we experiment further ?

Looking at weather forecast for the weekend with a bit off luck it will be postponed save us from all the taking come on the snow .

You really are a joy aren't you.

Thread cleaned up but be warned its getting tiresome and it won't continue.

What team do you think you will be putting out?

Would rather save Rangi and Orr personally for the season and have Daz Clarke and McGoldrick as the halves. Apart from that everyone should play unless they have any little injuries.

Something along the line of this :

Mathers

Fox
Collis
Mellars
Cockayne

John
Smith

Amor
Ellis
James

Lauitiiti
Southern
Kirmond

Aiton
Washbrook
Johnson
Wildie
Mariano
Trout
Wilkes(?)
Walshaw

Not sure how many interchanges we are allowed for a friendly

I think the important thing is to keep running that back line together. They need time with each other more than the forwards. The half backs especially, and need Smith and John given a long run.

We will be weak in front row with Raleigh possibly injured and Wilkes def out. But again, gives the others chance to show.
I expect a big game from Southern as he the only one who missed out in France, assuming he isn't rushing to the maternity ward.

The result is not as important as the performance of course but it is a little psychological lift if we can win as well.

..............abuse?

You are Richard Agar and I claim my £5 !!!!!

Six posts in, incorporating at least 3 prophecies of doom; am I the only one sniffing a troll here?

Nope. Lets see wether this happy chappy 'perks up' soon eh?

Cas fan or he lives on Newmarket Lane!!!

He ought to be trying to get along with his new neighbours then !

think he is living in the real world mate