Morning to my fellow Wire fans. Firstly, this may have been discussed already so apologies if so. However, besides the occasional glance, I've hardly been on here since the culmination of last season.

So on 2012, personally I'm as enthusiastic as I've ever been about a forthcoming season and there is so much to look foward to. I'm particularly excited about visiting two seemingly excellent new stadiums for the first time in Saints and Salford. Also the return of Widnes can only be a good thing as derbies really are the games that symbolize everything we love about our chosen sport. Plus, lets not forget, on the back of a hugely successful 2011 season, our own stadium's developments look superb and I can't wait for a few packed houses at home this year.

So this begs the question - what are you hoping to witness from the Wire this year? It may be simply 'more of the same!'. I'll take a top three finish gladly. Also, having recently watched the 2010 CC Final again my appetite to do well in that competition is progressively returning.

The one thing for sure is we have a tremendous squad despite the loss of King, Louis and Clarke. And the Aussie trip our lads are currently enjoying will be hugely beneficial in terms of the determination and focus of our squad for 2012.

Let the good times commence .....

I want us to reach, and win, the Grand Final. I won't be outside the H&J with a pitchfork if we don't but that's what I'm hoping to witness. Naturally I'd like us to finish as high in the league as possible but if my some miracle we finish, say 5th, and win it I'd be fascinated to hear Skents follow up interview following the 'League Leaders Shield A Disgrace' article from the back end of last season...

I think last year was the best chance we have had to win the GF, I'm not convinced our squad is stronger and the injuries we have currently are very unfortunate indeed. Having said that I'm hopeful for this year before the next few years of rebuilding the squad.

I think a lot of the top teams have weaker squads this year Wigan are a lot worse IMO , Saints will miss Ginger whinger ,Leeds will miss Buderous and haven't really strengthened Hull and Kr look weaker in fact I would say only Catalan look stronger so it should be interesting and I still think we can clean sweep this year !

King is the big loss (naturally) unless Evans can step up.

On an unrelated point, welcome back.

Thank you. I'm just coming out of hibernation so still a little groggy.

Nice sun tan?

I'm only concerned at ageing bodies in critical positions. Not because of a drop off in class, but speed, fitness, and injury potential. I'm hoping that the youngsters really step up and show us they are good enoughl. Especially Rhys Evans, and I am still hopefull on Tyrone McCarthy too.
If we don't do it this year, it may be a couple more years til we get another hit with Moz, Hodgson, Briers and probably Higham will be leaving at the end of the year.

I'd agree with that. Fortunately for us, we can take comfort in the knowledge that our club is being run extremely well with plenty of good younger players ready to step up. Plus we're able to bring in experienced big name players whenever we feel like to maintain a long term challenge for trophies.

But a bit of a rebuild is certainly loitering round the corner. No doubt about that.

I did have. Faded now sadly.