Lots of talk about recruitment on and off the field, some people happy, some ok and some disappointed, I'm probably in the Ok bracket, was hoping when Myler was announced would be better, but it hasn't quite worked out, not from trying and add in Lam, Whitehead into our side, would change the whole dynamics of the squad. But can see the reasons recruitment hasn't gone exactly as I hoped.
So what are the realistic targets for next year, for me there are three.
Avoid the big defeats on a regular basis, it's been 4 plus years now of regular 50 point defeats, games regularly over after 20 minutes. Finish the season with some positive results (our August, September results over the last few years speak for themself) Aim to finish as high as possible, I think a realistic target for this is 9th (above Cas, Wakey and Hudds), not sure with this squad it could be much higher, unless we have some real luck with injuries and Cartwright proves to be a coach who can improve players hugely.
I think anything less than the treble and I won't be happy. Joking!
I think 8th or above! The players that have signed from Aus have only good things to say about Carty. We've seen what Rovers have done just by been a fit squad and keeping their key players on the pitch all year.
Carty said a fit and hungry team, that will win games in it self!
Lots of talk about recruitment on and off the field, some people happy, some ok and some disappointed, I'm probably in the Ok bracket, was hoping when Myler was announced would be better, but it hasn't quite worked out, not from trying and add in Lam, Whitehead into our side, would change the whole dynamics of the squad. But can see the reasons recruitment hasn't gone exactly as I hoped.
So what are the realistic targets for next year, for me there are three.
Avoid the big defeats on a regular basis, it's been 4 plus years now of regular 50 point defeats, games regularly over after 20 minutes. Finish the season with some positive results (our August, September results over the last few years speak for themself) Aim to finish as high as possible, I think a realistic target for this is 9th (above Cas, Wakey and Hudds), not sure with this squad it could be much higher, unless we have some real luck with injuries and Cartwright proves to be a coach who can improve players hugely.
Agree with all this Dave.
Ninth is a reasonable target. We will not trouble the play offs but the aim is to compete in every game and firm up that defence. Conceding an average of 34 points per game is just not acceptable.
We need to massively improve our fitness and conditioning and it seems like this is Cartwright's immediate priority.
Still being in with a chance of winning games at the 60 minute mark, too many times this year teams have blown us away early doors, then we show a little bit of fight after and maybe get a consolation try or two or tighten our defence up, it'd be nice to still be competing around 60 mins to keep fans interest up!
Stop the half assed effort and performances. There have been a few games we have been competitive in and lost which shows it doesn't take much to be there or thereabouts in games. Put the same effort in against london as we did against wire and wigan and we probably win.
Improve fitness, discipline and defence would go a long way for this squad. Attitude and confidence next.
Still some holes in the squad for me at centre, wing (assuming ropana plays fb) 2nd row and prop. We're either at the bare bones in each or relying on kids
Stop the half assed effort and performances. There have been a few games we have been competitive in and lost which shows it doesn't take much to be there or thereabouts in games. Put the same effort in against london as we did against wire and wigan and we probably win.
Improve fitness, discipline and defence would go a long way for this squad. Attitude and confidence next. Still some holes in the squad for me at centre, wing (assuming ropana plays fb) 2nd row and prop. We're either at the bare bones in each or relying on kids
Agree think better coaching and players which we have signed will only get us so far and probably 8th at best, definitely still need some depth and quality in the areas mentioned to challenge the play offs.
Small steps though, we are in a massive mess this season.
I think realistically to see a structured & cohesive team that fights for each other no matter whether the first or 79th minute. A huge improvement in both fitness & discipline, not just in terms of less penalties conceded but the basics such as our line speed, intensity etc. Also a significant improvement in our all round attitude as a club both on & off the field.
Top 6 for me isn't currently an achievable goal given the dogs dinner we are and the squad assembled so far, however I do think that 8th place should be the minimum requirement.
I think realistically to see a structured & cohesive team that fights for each other no matter whether the first or 79th minute. A huge improvement in both fitness & discipline, not just in terms of less penalties conceded but the basics such as our line speed, intensity etc. Also a significant improvement in our all round attitude as a club both on & off the field.
Top 6 for me isn't currently an achievable goal given the dogs dinner we are and the squad assembled so far, however I do think that 8th place should be the minimum requirement.
Looking at our squad I just don't see who it could finish above apart from Cas, Hudds and Wakey.
But you never know in sport, particularly if we can get some of the things sorted that have been mentioned, which really should be the basics, such as structure and fitness.
Looking at our squad I just don't see who it could finish above apart from Cas, Hudds and Wakey.
But you never know in sport, particularly if we can get some of the things sorted that have been mentioned, which really should be the basics, such as structure and fitness.
Personally don't think Leeds are all that to be honest so do think Cas, Hudds, Wakey and Leeds are all teams we should realistically be targeting finishing above. Think their current 7th place is more of an indication of just how poor Catalan have been in the latter stages of this season than Leeds being decent.
If we get the fundamental basics right, real structure to our play and big improvement in fitness/conditioning then I do think a target of 8th whilst a big ask is realistic and where we should be aiming the bar.
answer to the title is simple for me; Survival with our super league position intact! Perhaps some wanting amongst the group some passion for the cause and some accountability from the players towards the fans.All of which would be completely new innovations after this season.