Very true, but I would attribute the last 4 of those tries to us switching off rather than defensive errors per se. As I said hopefully we will learn our lesson from it.

I think people like to put a lot of spin on "our (equal) worst ever finish in the last 15 years" - the final game of the year against Leeds proved we weren't a million miles away - a kicker and we would of won (and I'm biased but I reckon we'd of given Wigan a better game in the semis

)

Our 1 - 17 was strong enough to compete with the top 4 last year, but we were the least capable in dealing with injuries and it showed. Losing lomax, Roby and Soliola all at once for 10 weeks (and they it wasn't like when they returned they were fully fit) would damage any teams chances (take tomkins mcilorum and o'loughlin out of Wigan etc.) and the rest of our team wasn't strong enough to compensate for that (like Wigan were for example.)

The flip side of that is that we have blooded 13 youngsters last year all who look much more capable of making the step up now than they did last year. Our strength in depth this year means saints fans feel almost spoilt for choice and there's a lot of flexibility in the team. Flanaghan for example who should be a starting player didn't even make the 19 this week.

Whilst losing a talisman like Walsh/ Roby/ Lomax would hit any team, we should now have other areas that can step up in their place.

IMHO saints have got the most balanced team in super league this year , I don't think they will win the league but wouldn't be surprised to see them lifting a trophy come the end of the season .

Looking forward to seeing the usual crew from Hull in The George pre and post match.

All welcome as usual, thanks to school half term I shall be on site earlier than normal for the "warm up"

Will dig out a Hull classic game for you early arrivals before I put an old saints match on.

Al

We've got an unbeaten record to defend at theirs haven't we? Looking forward to it but think the main difference for Saints this season is the coach. Undoubtedly one of the best around and now he's got 'his' side I think Saints will really fire this season.

Not sure about Brown been one of the best around, makes some odd selections at time, look at how much Hudds improved with the same side when he left. Make some good signings though.

Really hard game for us, but not impossible to come away with the points if we improve on a few things. Not expected to win, so a bit of pressure off us for this game.

Want to see us tighter in defense and improvement in discipline, don't think we can win this as even if we can match Saints, Walsh kicked 7 from 7 including 2 from the touchline IIRC, although I don't honestly expect it to be that close. Looking forward to it though.

Will be interesting to see how Wire respond this week at Leeds, might have a chance there....

Anyone know of any coaches with a couple of seats available?

try the mighty black and whites on facebook ask dan

For me, 100% the latter. I was very critical of our second half in particular.

One thing that worries me is your attack, but your defence was woeful on Friday.

Just had a check on their fb page and it looks like they're full. Cheers anyway

Expect that defence will have been addressed in training this week so hopefully not as leaky. If we are as potent in attack again and can convert trys we may have a chance, but still feel you will have too much for us.

Think Prekkie would have wanted a draw and I would most certainly take a point if one was on offer...

Three more making the trip down to Saints, as we do every year. After the unfortunate loss of Preckie, hoping for an especially big crowd to pay our respects.

Onto the game, I believe it's a tough one to call. I've backed Saints to win the competition at the start of the year and they undoubtedly are favourites for this game, but we can cause them problems. If we can get a roll-on and attack with the same pace and precision as we did in patches last week, we can score points. But we have to improve massively in defence, especially on the right-edge, Luke Walsh and his outside backs could have a field day if we're not careful.

I'm predicting Saints by 11-15.

Certainly need to improve our right hand defence, between crooks and lineham they missed 12 tackles, after watching the try's a few times, I'd say Lineham cost us 3 try's with his bad decisions and poor positioning. But I'm sure it is something that they have been working on this week. If this doesn't tighten up, it could be a long night.

I've not been to Langtree Park. Does anyone know what the parking is like? The official line is to use the multi-storey across the bridge but I was wondering what people's experiences were.

Has any one got any spare seats left ??

Strange that after 1 game it's Hull's defense which is being questioned when last year it was your strongest facet.
As for us this year - with Amor Roby Walmsley we have a great starting front row - several times last year we was 16 + pts behind when Walmsley came on and changed the game. We also have an organiser in Walsh which also lets Wilkin concentrate on what he does well (ie not a halfback). With Wheeler fit that gives us 2 halfbacks over last years none.
Expecting a good game - and by no means a certain Saints win

Walmsley looks a great prop already - he'd be one I'd sign but is probably tied down for 10 years.

Officials for Friday night:

Ref: R Silverwood
Touch J: G Stokes In Goal: J Callaghan
Touch J: M Thomason In Goal: A Bentham
Reserve: C Leatherbarrow Time K: K Leyland
M Com: N Robinson

"I've not been to Langtree Park. Does anyone know what the parking is like? The official line is to use the multi-storey across the bridge but I was wondering what people's experiences were."

Multi storey is fine, a bit of a queue to get out but known worse at Walton St.

parked in there last two games, 10 minute walk to the ground no problems

Cant see Saints winning this one im afraid so Saints 16 - 32 Hull

Although i also tipped Warrington to win 34 - 10

And across Preccie's Bridge no less.

I can't see us getting a result but I'm looking forward to it anyhow.

We ARE GOING ON COACH if you need a seat

I'd take a 6-10 defeat now.