So here we go for another season. I understand the concerns some have regarding us being under done for the start of the season i have them too and ideally would of liked another friendly but we are were we are. So as for the game on sunday for me Sheffield last season were good in attack but seemed to struggle in defence and lacked the ability against the better sides to put it together for 80 minutes as we saw when we played them away. They have made a fair few signings this off season most so in the forwards but even though i have tipped them to finish in the playoffs i still think even if we are a bit rusty we should still have enough to beat them. All being well the pitch will not be too bad as i think both sides like to move the ball about. As for us hopefully Ben tibbs will be fit to play after rolling is ankle at wakefield as i am looking forward to seeing what damage him and jake can do out wide. I would back our forwards to get the better of Sheffields over the course of 80 minutes and for that i will go for a fax win by 28-12.

Fax 28v14Sheffield. That's as much of a hunch as owt else as like Terry says we've not much to go on. Partnerships and moves will have to be formed as we go and let's hope we have enough class to get past what looks a decent Eagles outfit. Up The Fax!

So early in the season hard to know just how the game will go - with Roberts, JS L and Gwaze added to what was already a decent pack it's certainly not a nailed on Fax win. Was very disappointed when Gwaze left and would expect him to have a big game on Sunday. Aston will probably also feel he's a point to prove. Hopefully our 3 new forwards can more than compensate - and , especially if Tibbs is fit, I think we've probably got the most exciting, and quickest set of backs we've had for years, and unlike start of last year having an established and successful half back pairing. I'm sure I'm not alone in also wanting a Fax win if for no other reason than to p**s off the most obnoxious coach in the Championship

3 or more opposed games in pre season should be ok. just hope hit the ground running this year.

A Panthers win. We need to play like we did in the 2nd half against Wakefield. It will be close as it’s the opening game of the season. A win and then we can listen to Ashton calling our team and staff snakes again. What a bitter little man

Interesting game for a number of reasons and rather than repeat what has been said I'll just add that apart from testing our playing ability it will probably be the biggest test of our character for some time as there's been more emphasis on getting off to a good start coming from within the club than most if not all previous seasons build ups.

The approach should be, to get the season off to a good start you need to get each game off to a good start.

Stick to basics and from the whistle rip into them but keep your discipline with no silly penalties, complete your sets and play in the right part of the pitch and if we can set the right platform we have the ability to get the points on the board and take the game.

No Doro in squad ?
Was looking forward to seeing him..injured or not made cut ?

I am too disappointed that Doro as not made the cut for me he could be a game changer either starting or coming off the bench. And i would presume that Tibbs as not over come is ankle injury other wise we look pretty strong. I would guess that mCcomb will play centre in tibbs absence but Cole Oakley looked handy there in the second half at wakefield and he as been training a fair bit in that position too. Sheffield have there 2 first choice fullbacks missing and Thackery too which will test there squad depth in the spine of there team. Bring on sunday and up the panthers.

Interesting squad , I assume tibbs is still injured . Obviously I’ve only seen one preseason game and doro was one of our better players so I’m surprised to see him not picked as ultimately as Dan Murray says this game will be won in the pack and doro would’ve given us some extra physicality we needed off the bench . I suspect from the 21 man squad oakley , rawsthorne and inman to miss out , obviously Grix has seen more than us and it wouldn’t surprise me if this wasn’t the case . I for one think inman is ready and would pick him over wood who underwhelmed last year , inman brings physicality and a good kicking and passing game not sure what wood brings but I’m sure Grix will say experience. I also believe having wood and Keyes on together reduces our defensive capabilities whilst having inman on doesn’t but that’s just my personal opinion. I’m a big Grix fan but there was a few team selections last year that left me scratching my head , this is an important game and I know it’s a ‘ marathon and not a sprint’ but this year will be tighter than ever , I hope he’s got this one right .

We don't want to be hearing the marathon not a sprint phrase on Monday morning that's for sure. We've become noted for slow starts in recent seasons and it's high time that changed. As for Doro not even being in the squad, surely it must be because of injury. I see him as a direct replacement for Gwaze and from what I have seen he should be in from the start. It will be a tight game whatever and let's see if we can get off to a flyer. Up The Fax!