Think it was obvious when Houghton was made captain he'd be starting most games and used for as many minutes as possible this season. Whilst he still does have a lot to offer at 9, I don't think playing him at 13 adds any value to us as a team, better for him just to have a rest on the bench rather than chopping and changing mid game

Lewis Martin, Litten and Scott options for the wing according to Smith in HDM.

While Scott has always tried his best he's not a natural winger. Hoping Martin gets his chance.

Well i'm ever the optimist and hopeful for a much improved season.

A younger squad, bigger pack and some players with points to prove bodes well for what's to come.
As Smith alluded to in his recent league express interview, having a much younger squad as seen a much more intense pre season.

Signings wise, Walker and Nu Brown are quality additions. Although only Doncaster, Tindall and Smith both looked very good and think they'll both prove to be astute signings.
Ashworth certainly has the talent and it's great to hear that he's moved over to Hull and he certainly seems to have the bit between his teeth to get his career back on track.

Excited by the NRL signings. Ese Ese is a quality player and Pele and Okunbor again seem determined to make their mark.

Really looking forward to seeing a big pack once again after the last few seasons.

We only really had Satae and Griffin last season who brought us some impact.
Sao didn't have a pre season so never really got going. Taylor was playing busted and was never really fully fit. Savelio when he could be bothered was a handful but just wasn't consistent and we all know his attitude issues.

So, although i think we'll just miss out on the six, i'm confident we'll be much improved. COYH

Do we know what round we’re expecting Trueman back? The club weren’t ruling him out for start of season so surely he’s got to be in the last 4-6 weeks of rehab

Looking to be back for sometime in March.

especially as it looks like Balmforth will be playing in an arranged reserve fixure several days later.
Like most sports you have to accept that the manager/coach has players in his squad that he either doesnt like or rate as a player.
I dont think its fitness with Balmforth i think the coach simply doesnt rate him

me too but Smith does have a square pegs in round holes mentality so no surprise if Scott plays on the wing

Well he gave him a contract extension so he must rate his potential at least.

more likely to see if we can get a fee if he moves on

Pretty sure he got a 1 year extension triggered so his contract will be up at the end of the season so that makes no sense.

Balmforth picked up a knock and sadly hasn’t shaken it off. Just unlucky but smith made a point of saying we’re actively looking for a friendly to get him some game time.

If fit Balmforth would 100% be playing this weekend I reckon. What shocks me is that Staveley can’t seem to get any minutes.

I remember, last year at home he came off the bench at the end of the game against cas I think. In the 15 minutes he got he made more metres and had a better impact than lane did all game. The next week he was out of the team.