Rugby League Super League

jgraham

Company man, hitched.
Joined
Mar 19, 2008
Messages
16,496
Location
punching cats for eggs at a dustbin near you
Season begins next Friday, any Rugby League fans want to give their opinion on how their team has recruited and how they think they'll do?

I know we've at least a few Rugby League fans about - Marching, your a Rhinos fan aren't you?

Anyway here's my view on my team

St Helens
We've only made one signing of note for this season and that's Tony Puletua form Down Under. He's a big unit but quick and has a good offload game too so should do well for us.

My concern and probably the majority of other Saints fans concern is our lack of a recognised centre. Willie Talau has left for Salford and we've brought nobody in to replace him. Lee Gilmour it seems will fill that spot which isn't ideal but I guess it'll have to do. We've also got one or two bright youngsters who'll hopefully have some impact. Gary Wheeler and Jamie Foster being the two stand outs imo.

One to watch: Gary Wheeler

with special mention to John Wilkin, who by his own standards probably had a poor last season with us. I expect him to have much moe of an impact this year.

Also Current man of Steel Jgraham ;) James Graham I believe will go from strength to strength
 
No rugby league fans then? What's wrong with you all...it's a great game!

I expect it will be the same old story with Leeds pushing Saints hard for the trophys this season...Looks like we've got the easier start.

Friday, 13 February 2009
Leeds v Wakefield, 20:00
St Helens v Warrington, 20:00


Casual watcher nowadays....I actually started watching rugby at Batley before I started watching Leeds United.
 
rovers-1.jpg
 
To be honest I'd hardly call myself a fan, however been from the most famous Rugby city of them all I kinda have to have a team and as I'm a East Hull lad at heart I'm Red and White.
 
Leeds 28-6 Celtic Crusaders

Leeds (22) 28
Tries: Smith 2, Donald, Hall, Ablett Goals: Sinfield 4

Celtic Crusaders (0) 6
Tries: Dyer Goals: Hannay

Lee Smith scored the first points of Super League XIV Champions Leeds Rhinos began the defence of their Super League crown with a comfortable win over newcomers Celtic Crusaders at Headingley.

Marching on together. :)
 
rufus diabolus said:
Thought it was going to be a battering after checking the score at half time, did Leeds go easy in the second half or did Celtic play better?
Click to expand...

Good opening workout for Leeds who switched off a bit after totally outclassing the opposition in the first 40 mins but Celtic also stepped up their game.
 
Thought as much, fair play to Celtic for not falling apart in the second half.

Are you at the game next weekend graham? We usually enjoy Saints away, well at least the first half before we bend over for your lads in the second.
 
When is the world club challenge on?

If Manly play anything like we did in the finals we will win by 50. Seriously doubt the boys will be in that kind of form though...
 
The 2009 Carnegie World Club Challenge between Leeds Rhinos and Manly Sea Eagles will be played at Elland Road, Leeds on Sunday 1 March, kick off 6pm.
 
Marching said:
Good opening workout for Leeds who switched off a bit after totally outclassing the opposition in the first 40 mins but Celtic also stepped up their game.
Click to expand...

I did think you'd hammer Celtic, especially with the majority of their team coming over at the last minute. Can see Celtic surprising a few teams this year but I still think they'll be fighting it out with Salford to avoid bottom spot.

Where was Greg Eastwood? He'll be a class player for you this season.


rufus diabolus said:
Thought as much, fair play to Celtic for not falling apart in the second half.

Are you at the game next weekend graham? We usually enjoy Saints away, well at least the first half before we bend over for your lads in the second.
Click to expand...

Probably not to be honest - i've not been able to get me a season ticket this year and not keen on forking out 15notes.

Who's going to be your key man this year do you think?
 
jgraham said:
I did think you'd hammer Celtic, especially with the majority of their team coming over at the last minute. Can see Celtic surprising a few teams this year but I still think they'll be fighting it out with Salford to avoid bottom spot.

Where was Greg Eastwood? He'll be a class player for you this season.
Click to expand...

Something about his signing being caught up in red tape....he missed out on pre season training in Florida I think.
 
jgraham said:
Probably not to be honest - i've not been able to get me a season ticket this year and not keen on forking out 15notes.

Who's going to be your key man this year do you think?
Click to expand...

Just realised it's on tv anyway, might give it a miss as well.

Hard say who'll be our key man, Higham could be a big signing for us, we haven't had a decent hooker in years, I expect Monaghan and King to put in good shifts this year as well after last season, hopefully settled in a bit now.
 
Marching said:
Something about his signing being caught up in red tape....he missed out on pre season training in Florida I think.
Click to expand...

There seems to have been a lot of problems caused by this new visa system. Our very own Francis 'brainbox' Meli forgot to send his papers in time and as such can't start the season.

rufus diabolus said:
Just realised it's on tv anyway, might give it a miss as well.

Hard say who'll be our key man, Higham could be a big signing for us, we haven't had a decent hooker in years, I expect Monaghan and King to put in good shifts this year as well after last season, hopefully settled in a bit now.
Click to expand...


Yeah the tv might be a good option - especially if its baltic outside!

Higham started to play quite well towards the back end of last season so if he carries that into this one you'll not be to bad with him at 9. I'm positive King will come good this season and thing you'll get another good year out of Hicks. Carvell will be a big boost to your lot too!
 
Well Rufus that was a cracker wasn't it!!

Was a bit worried at half time, but shouldn't have been really knowing the Saints!

I have to say though and you may think its bias but Matt Gidley is possibly one of th ebest players in the world at the minute!!
 
jgraham said:
Well Rufus that was a cracker wasn't it!!

Was a bit worried at half time, but shouldn't have been really knowing the Saints!

I have to say though and you may think its bias but Matt Gidley is possibly one of th ebest players in the world at the minute!!
Click to expand...

they are the united of rugby league

with scummerpool being the inbred pie-eaters
 
jgraham said:
Well Rufus that was a cracker wasn't it!!

Was a bit worried at half time, but shouldn't have been really knowing the Saints!

I have to say though and you may think its bias but Matt Gidley is possibly one of th ebest players in the world at the minute!!
Click to expand...

Yes it was, we always have class games against you, probably more so from your point of view though ;)

:lol: I was worried at half time, we've seen it all before against your lot, we did have a great first half though but as soon as you got the first try I could see us caving in, you were too good in the end.

Our defence looks a lot stronger than last year well in the first half anyway, we closed you down quickly and didn't give you much room to play, remains to be seen If we'll play like that against lesser teams. Was happy with Higham's debut thought he had a great game, Carvell made a few errors but should be a decent buy once he settles in. Overall quite optimistic for this season, though I was last season and the season before, beginning to sound like the scousers.

Nah Gidley's a class player, seems like a decent bloke as well, I don't watch enough rugby to say he is the best but I'm sure he's up there.
rufus diabolus said:
We usually enjoy Saints away, well at least the first half before we bend over for your lads in the second.
Click to expand...

I hate being right sometimes :(
 
EricaNo7 said:
they are the united of rugby league

with scummerpool being the inbred pie-eaters
Click to expand...

:lol: Quite a good comparison actually with Wigan not having won the league for a long time, albeit not quite as long as the scousers. We'll be a half decent team which you usually take maximum points from, maybe Villa breaking into the top 4 this season ;) (I wish)
 
We are top of the league
We are top of the league
We are top of the league
 
jgraham said:
Where was Greg Eastwood? He'll be a class player for you this season.
Click to expand...

Update:

Leeds star Eastwood denied visa

Eastwood was a World Cup winner with New Zealand last year
New Leeds Rhinos signing Greg Eastwood has been denied a work visa to come and play for the Super League champions.

The 21-year-old New Zealand forward, a former Brisbane Broncos player, had agreed a three-year deal.

It is thought the decision relates to a driving conviction, but the World Cup winner plans to appeal against it.

"Greg remains very much in our plans for this season and we will stay in touch with him during this process," said chief executive Gary Hetherington.

"He is shocked and obviously very disappointed. We are all surprised and very disappointed too. Greg will pursue an appeal and we will wait to see the outcome."

Eastwood, who was was denied a visa by the British High Commission in Canberra, had been lined up as a replacement for Gareth Ellis who has moved to Australian side Wests Tigers.

The commission has also denied visas in the run-up to the new season for the moves involving Michael Crocker to Hull, Todd Carney to Huddersfield and Greg Bird to Bradford.

Hetherington denied he had been embarrassed by the setback having previously labelled the signing of Bird, who is due to appear in court in Sydney in April on assault charges, as "a blow to the reputation of Super League".

"Not at all. I don't think there is any connection. Greg [Eastwood's] offence appears to be road-traffic related," he said.

"It would appear that you need to be an exceptionally good character to gain a visa and anybody with any blemish is at risk."
 
Thats a bit of a blow!

He'd be really good in the super league, an I was lookin forward to seeing him.

This Visa thing this year has caused all sorts of problems hasn't it. Thats 3 I can think of so far that have had visas turned down.

Our own Francis Meli has had some issues too, but thats seemingly more a case of him being plain stupid on not applying in time!!
 
Tough start to the season for Hull KR. A draw against the bulls and next up a home game against Leeds followed by a trip to Merseyside for the Saints. Not to sure what to expect to be honest.
 
Well I kinda saw that coming - we've picked up a few injuries already and I could see this being a potential banana skin. That being said we really shouldn't be losing to Hull KR on our own pitch.

However there are a lot of decent teams and results like this will be more frequent this season I think.

Not sure whats going on at Warrington! On paper you have a squad capable of winning the comp. Oh and Boothy I think your piping up at the wrong time - considering Wigans current form!!
 
We showed glimpses of quality tonight but we're all over the place defensively, too many silly mistakes in possession as well. We always struggle to get out of the habit of losing maybe a new boss would shake things up a bit.

Having said that it wouldn't surprise me if we put in a decent performance against Leeds next week which could help turn us around, or we could be in for a hammering :nervous:
 
rufus diabolus said:
We showed glimpses of quality tonight but were all over the place defensively, too many silly mistakes in possession as well. We always struggle to get out of the habit of losing maybe a new boss would shake things up a bit.

Having said that it wouldn't surprise me if we put in a decent performance against Leeds next week which could help turn us around, or we could be in for a hammering :nervous:.
Click to expand...

Yeah hopefully you'll turn it around against Leeds - I can't see it lasting, your poor form I mean. You've got some real quality and its just about getting the basics right. King is still a big worry i'd say.
 
Good to see Wakefield winning....and Saints losing. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.