With the new season fast approaching, how do you things will pan out? I'd be keen to hear people's opinions and their opinions of other people's opinions, isolated as I am down here.

Looking back to last year first, it is clear we had a good team that performed consistently throughout the league season (statto moment - in the opening, middle and final thirds of the season Rovers won 11, 12 and 12 points respectively). The play-offs then saw a couple of disappointing performances, as the team ran out of steam - albeit with mitigating circumstances, against Leeds especially.
The core of the Rovers team has been retained and where replacements have been brought in they seem to be of adequate quality and with one eye on the longer-term future.
Hopefully the Clinton signing will be sorted out soon, as prop is the one are where I think we are a bit short of quality. When you think of all the players we've had alongside Vella there in the last 3 years, it has been a long-running problem. Do the rumours regarding Vella's fitness problems have any substance or are they just wishful thinking from those who wish Rovers ill?
I think Rovers will be even better than last year, when they really punched their weight, but so will several other clubs. Top 6 would be decent, given a fair wind with injuries etc, but their should be no upper limit on the team's ambition. 11th, 7th, 4th/6th....

Just to allay your fears, Charlie Mullan said that Vella's absolutely fine on Sportstalk this week.

I'd be happy/content with a top 8 finish this season.

What we could see this season is progression from some of our younger players. By the end of the season, I can see us having a 2nd row combination of Newton and Taylor. I think Scott Murrell will progress as the season develops into a fine hooker. Rhys Lovegrove will continue to grow into a very decent impact prop, and I think we could see the emergence of Liam Watts. Im also expecting a big season from Jake Webster. He looked slighlty leaner on Sunday and looked 100% fit.

I think we will finish 7th this season, but we will see the development and progression of the team. Some people may say, how does going from 4th to 7th show progression, but if we get these players such as Watts and Taylor in the first team squad and playing regularly, it suggests a bit of an evolution for me and a greater reliance on our own means, with maybe the odd top class overseas signing complimenting that in future seasons.

Top four finish.

Extension to the East stand.

North stand to be started.

All acheivable, that'll do for starters.

"Rhys Lovegrove will continue to grow into a very decent impact prop"

With Rhys been given the 8 shirt and from the pre season training, i would imagine Rhys is going to be starting most weeks to begin with. One of the few slight concerns from sundays game was the way that Rhys got more or less knocked all over the place by Hulls pack. I know he had great yardage stats last year , mainly due to his immense effort, but the lack of natural size will tell at some point.

I agree about Murrell, he looks as thought he is going to read the game from acting half ala Diskin, Cunningham etc and perhaps play as he sees, and also think that Taylor and Watts will make it no problem. Not too sure about how many of the other crop will do so, we might have to wait a couple of years for the next batch for some gems.

Cant see enough quality (or Justin making use of certain players talents enough) for us to make the four again, but i expect us to be a competitive side.I fear silverware may be a while off however.

6th
9,000 average
Taylor, Watts and others to get more game time
usual double over Hull FC

The fact that Rovers have retained the nucleus of their squad will be very benificial.
Historicaly,the longer clubs that have kept good players together, the better they often become, from my own experience,the longer you play with the same teammates the better you gel as a unit and the better understanding you have of one and other (sometimes almost telepathic), Leeds and St Helens have been two prime examples in recent years.
However, having said that it also depends on other factors such as injuries which is often down to sods law, a lot will also depend on how Joel Clinton and Vella perform together plus the pairing of clint Newton and whoever, in the S/R, if they all click, then Rovers certainly have the skill and pace in the backs to give most teams a run for their money this coming season and achieve at least the same level of success as last season.
One thing is for sure, it certainly looks like we will have two great and competitive derbies this coming year, bring it on i say!!.

Excellent Post mate.

I would be happy to see a bit a good squad depth coming through this year. We have suffered mid season for the last couple of years when the team has started to look jaded and with having a lack of back up our options have seemed limitted. Going on Sundays outing the arrival of Ratu should allow us to rotate in the centre positions with no detriment to the squad.
Props are a concern although if we can get Clinton in and develop Watts that may ease those worries. We suffered a lot of injuries in the forward line (Vella, Lovegrove out a lot and Fozzard, Aizue either injured or not performing) last year and still performed as a unit. I thought Netherton looked to have bulked up a bit so this could be a year when he steps into the prop position and shows some form. However fit Vella is reported to be I think we should expect him to miss a minimum of 6 games going on past experience.

I can also see Clint Newton becoming the standout player in the comp this year, he finished 2009 as good as anyone and looking at this enthusiasm, talent and age this could be the year he shines.

I would be happy with 6th (home play off game) and a win at that stage, Wembley is possible for any SL side barring Celtic and Salford IMO and hopefully we'll get a good run on that front.

As has been said a settled squad and coaching staff will be our biggest asset this term and in a way the reason why our off season has been so uneventful / newsworthy. So all in all I'm confident we'll be a match for anyone and will have a year as good as last.

Very good post.