MarioRugby wrote:
Speaking with a Trinity fan at the pub last night.
He told me this is the best Wakfield squad and preparation the club has ever had in the SL era. Coach, Director of Rugby, new signings and squad depth he says he can't remember ever being so confident going into a season.
How right was he?
I agree that in terms of behind the scenes the club is being run as well as I can remember (not a difficult task to be fair) we seem to be cutting our cloth and putting out a decent side. Mr Carter deserves a massive pat on the back and a few pints at least.
Backroom staff? Well, Chester has still got a bit to prove for me, we had a great run last year but petered out quite tamely in the end. Partly injuries, but also a sense of taking our foot off the gas once we had secured top 8 finish.
I reckon Kear will be a great addition, very experienced, knows the club, worked miracles with Batley last year and a good eye for a signing.
As for the playing staff - Our backline looks as strong has it has since 2006 imo. If Johnstone and Jowitt can build on their impressive seasons last year and Caton-Brown and BJB can deliver, we look formidable in that area.
Halves - now we have 3! and arguably a significant improvement with Sam Williams coming in. The competition won't hurt either as Miller drifted in and out of form and good to have options to mix it up.
Pack - This is potentially our achilles heel unfortunately. We have got Fifita back, and England who we know can do the business. But Keegan Hirst is untested at this level, Kirmo is another year older and we have Sio and Wood to cover Hooker. Would really like to see another quality prop added if possible, having lost Scruton and Simon.
All in all I'm quite optimistic, but as usual with Wakey, we are gonna need to hit our potential fairly regularly to make any inroads in the league!