i'd be over the moon with 8th. Of course it is doable, but just about every team thinks they will make it before the season starts and i would say anyone (bar Salford maybe) is capable of making the 8. We need a better start to the season this time though and injuries will be crucial.

Can't see where Bradford have improved so that makes two.

From a Bradford point of view they have two hurdles.

1) They haven't added significantly to their team

2) They won games last year with the "last game ever" atmosphere pushing them through.



I think number two could cause an anti climax this year and they lose some of those games.

For me Forwards are key .......



Our success back end of the season was largely attributed within the fan and media spaces to the brilliance of Tim Smith.. however the platform was absolutley set by our pack - who gave the halves the platform.



If we win the collision, tackle and "go forward" we have plenty of ability in the squad to score points. Looking at our props and back row options, strength we have an aggressive mobile and quick pack...



law of averages states - If we can reduce the points against column and keep the points for where it was last year - we'll definatley make the 8

Yes, Forwards set the platforms. The backs work the magic.

We are certainly a better side than this time last year, as we have gelled, got used to the new coach, and made good mid-season additions with Sykes and Smith. Poore should add a bit of the growl that the front row lacked and I would hope that the second half of the season better reflects the side than the first.



The downside is that the opposition might respect us more and so each game might be a little tougher.

Other teams wont think we are easy beat this time round and know who our playmaker is in Smith and will be out to stop him playing well but as always with class thats easier said than done.We certainly wont be missing goal kicks as we were in the first 8 games last time and we need some luck on the injury front.Yes other teams have recruted well but on the other hand we wont be having the problem of 18 new players getting to know how each plays.Some of those last games we could have lost and not made the 8 but the players showed grit and determination to make it job done.I see us making the 8 again probably in 8th spot again but consolidation this season is the main thing for me and wouldnt complain if we had a good cup run.

All comes down to how lucky we are with injuries for me. We should be challenging for that 8th spot again but we need to stay healthy to get it.

Schoey also seems to be inferring that Castleford will make the 8

Although he is covering all his bases this time out, I don't think Cas will be easy beats.



If Chase is indeed a settled player again and he and Shenton can stay fit, I think they have some strike in the backs. Forwards I'm not sure about but I think if we go into their game thinking we are the dominent team this time, I think we could come unstuck.



I seriously don't see them making the 8 as they don't have any strength in depth at all but I reckon they will have an impact on who does make it as they will take some unexpected scalps. Lets make sure it's not us.

Which is possible the biggest surprise in his selections for the 8. Bradford were tipped to finish bottom last year by Angela Powers and look what happened there.



I'd agree that the Bulls are a little weaker this year, especially in terms of depth. The 1st choice 17 isn't a bad one but I think the pack may struggle against the bigger sides. I think once again the likes of Wakefield, Bradford, Hull KR will be fighting for the 8th spot and luck with injuries will be crucial.

I think you are right that they won't be easybeats, and maybe this will be the year that the league is a little closer. Because I think Saints will be a better side, the top 4 could be the closest contest yet, provided Leeds can avoid a poor start, and with improvements at places like London, maybe the table as a whole will be healthier. It would be great to go into the last few games with six through to twelve still contesting for the three places below the top four and Hull.



I certainly don't think we are much ahead of anyone below us, but I just think we have enough to edge above them, although as everyone has said, injuries might play a part.