So, after a positive pre season, we not move onto the first SL game, really big game, as there should be a big crowd and a win against a Radford coached team who we haven't beaten yet would be a real confidence boost, they look to have recruited well, but have had a bit of disruption with Radford hardly being present for pre season.

Squad looking really healthy, so going to be really tough to pick the 17, I'm sure I'll change my mind over the next two weeks, think the backs is easy to choose after Mcnamara had a good game yesterday, but I'd have Lovodua on the bench to cover hooker and also 6 , if things aren't working out for Ben, can also do a spell in the backrow if needed. If the 3 who haven't played pre season are fit, I'd go with this side.

Hoy
McIinhtosh
Carlos
Sutcliffe
Swift
McNamara
Clifford
Satae
Dwyer
Taylor
Lane
Savelio
Fash

Sao
Evans
Brown
Lovodua

Scott for Carlos
Griffin for Savelio
Cator for Sao

If any aren't fit.

Really looking forward to watching us this year, we won't win every game and might not even finish in the playoff, but based on what I've seen, we should be entertaining to watch with a better attitude.

I’d agree with that team, there’s a few players who will be unlucky to not be selected and I don’t know the last time I’ve felt that.

I imagine we might see griffin play for Savelio, with his history if injuries Tony might want to ease him in.

Crazy to see how far Taylor has come with a preseason under his belt. Hopefully we’ll get the 2016/2017 version of himself.

I’d have liked another friendly next week in prep. Playing the reserves squad with the likes of Savelio, Evans, Ligi & Carlos all getting a short sharp stint

Same for me really, can't remember the last time I looked at our possible 17 and thought there's a few that are unlucky to miss out.
Think both Dwyer and McNamara have earned their place to start against Cas. As you mention I wonder if Griffin will be in the 17 over Savelio with Smith preferring not rushing any player back? There's another 2 weeks to go before the game so anything can happen between now and then. Wouldn't be surprised if later this week Smith has some type of warm upgame in house for the likes of Carlos, Savelio, Ligi, Evans, Cator and Griffin (after being ill) to stretch their legs in game type situation. .

Certainly isn't going to be an easy game against Cas but the signs are there for an improvement on previous seasons in terms of the brand of rugby we will see, the effort and our results. After last seasons pitiful capitulation against Cas at home there is an added incentive to right those wrongs and not have any repeats.

For the first time in a long while I'm genuinely looking forward to the game rather than having that feeling of dread as the game approaches.

Very tough to pick a 17 but what a great position to be in.
How has Scott played in the 2 friendlies? Does he deserve to start even if Carlos is fit?
Does Mitch come back in for Mcintosh?
Who starts at 9?
Personally i'd keep Griffin in for Savelio

For me i'd go,

Hoy
Mitch
Carlos
Sutcliffe
Swift
Mcnamara
Clifford
Satae
Lovodua
Taylor
Griffin
Lane
Fash

Sao
Brown
Dwyer
Cator

Think your right about Lovodua on the bench for McNamara.
Radford will have him targeted as the perhaps weakest link.
It will be a good test for McNamara (and good for the team) if he can get through this ok.

I do feel that Scott is unlucky in that Carlos is too good of a player to be sitting on the sidelines if he is fully fit. He has had a strong pre season, injuries are bound to happen so he will get his chance.

Echo what others have mentioned, this is the most excitement I have had for a game in some time. Whilst important to stay grounded during pre season, I do think its worth enjoying the genuine feel good factor which seems to be surrounding the club. A good performance and (hopefully) a win off the back of it in front of 13/14k would be a perfect way to start the season.

I spoke to him at the Hall of Fame dinner and he was really positive and looked trim and ready to go. We chatted about last year and how much his injury set him back and he was never fully fit and chasing it all season. His performances certainly showed all that and more,but if he can stay relatively fit i'm confident he'll have a good season. Time for a few of our senior players to redeem themselves.

So nobody has Houghton in the 17 ?? Can't see that happening.

Fingers crossed for Joe Cator, he was great before his injuries, loads of enthusiasm & decent pace. To me a better version of Ellis Longstaff, stronger & more experienced. Think he is OOC this year so hope he is back to his best.

Great to have such a squad available, should allow those carrying knocks to miss a week rather than turning out at 80%. Good young forwards in the wings - best crop I can remember for a while.

I agree about Houghton
Cant see Smith leaving him out although Lovodua on the bench is probably the better option
wouldnt be surprised if the club organise a closed doors friendly this weekend to give a run out to the likes of Savelio and Carlos

No championship teams available. The lower comps have started.