Beg to differ. 2017 we were lucky, but still good enough to take the chance when it arose. The horrific seasons of 2016 and 2018 really do cast doubt on the serial winners theory. A lot of our biggest hitters had departed by 2016 and the one's who remained were past their peaks.

Clueso I almost always agree with you 100%.

I am quite up for this season, silverware or not I think we can finally expect Leeds to be tough to beat and if someone doesn't turn up against us we can dish out a hiding I think.

It also feels like the first proper season since COVID, let's keep everything crossed we can come out of the cave and have a good year - us and the whole game.

Yep, not really that fussed if we win anything this year because I can see that will come in time. Just want to see us play some great rugby in front of some big crowds again. Seems like that's been missing for a long time now.

The biggest test will be when we play Sts with a full strength side. We last beat them 3 years ago, and in most games they've beaten us really easily starting with being rolled down the middle with very little resistance. If we want to be serious contenders we can't - and shouldn't - rely on Sts or anyone else getting injuries to give us a chance. The minimum I want to see from the games against Sts this year is that we look like we're genuinely competing with them for 80 minutes. If we're not getting closer this year tinkering with the team may not be enough next year.

Edit - we last beat Sts 4 years ago. March 2018.

Yep totes.

On a more positive note, it's coming up 50 years since they last beat us in a major final

Seriously, the more recent run is of concern and needs redressing. It's getting embarrassing.

Its not embarrassing to not be able to beat the competitions best team. Its losing games to Wakey, Huddersfield and KR that we cant allow to happen this year if we are to improve.

More the manner of some of those defeats against saints. No disgrace to lose but to simply roll over...
But you're right in that there needs to be a tightening up against the lesser lights too. Hopefully both get addressed.

While beating lower-placed teams gets you into the finals it doesn't make you a genuine competitor if you get cannot beat top teams. Every year somebody qualifies for the play offs purely through a good record against lower teams only to crash out as soon as they face a contender. You can win the Challenge Cup that way with luck in the draw, but you won't win the league that way, and while all wins are welcome, if we're serious about taking Sts on next year we have to be getting close this.