An aggregate 88-26 over two friendlies isn't too bad a run out at all.
Oldham had a more experienced side than Rochdale, would expect them to be at the top end of the League below.
Just hope the physicality of the game at Saints doesn't impact us for the start of the season.
York beat Batley 48-12 today as an aside.
@topcat162 They played behind close doors today.
For us, I’d be a little concerned about conceding 20 points to a side in the division below.
Understand Kear trying different options to replace Craven but he needs to settle with one to try and form a bit of cohesion. Doubt we’ll have much ball next week.
@viking25 I think he probably knows what he wants his starting team to be. Only trouble is injuries disrupting his plans. Looks like we have a couple out already. To be honest, I hope the Saints game turns into a game of tick and pass.
I reckon if Craven isn’t fit for the first game it will be Owens/Gilmore in the halves, Fleming at fullback and Evans and Edge in the centres. Dixon and either Ince or Millar on the wings.
I’m not Lyons’ biggest fan- think he’s alright, nothing special, but I don’t see the point in him being here if he’s not going to play when Craven’s out injured.
If he doesn’t play now, when is he?
@viking25 I think it’s probably not easy to find a half back who wants to sit in the stands for half the season for widnes
To relieve in second half or start if we get 2 to 3 injuries in the half backs which could easily happen with Craven & Gilmore's previous injury records. Remember he can cover both half back positions. He is fine as a squad player that presumably does not cost that much. I agree though half back is my greatest concern & if Craven breaks down again I would be seeking a good stand off for next season to be penned in at 6 each week. Jack & both hookers could play at 6 or 7 but really we need a top specialist.I’m not Lyons’ biggest fan- think he’s alright, nothing special, but I don’t see the point in him being here if he’s not going to play when Craven’s out injured.
If he doesn’t play now, when is he?
@geoffw I think Gilmore appeared in all of Batley's games last season or all but one.Don't want to jinx him,like.
I know he did not miss hardly any at Batley but his record with us was not good at all. That was in Super League where I felt he was targetted a bit but I wonder if our pitch does not suit some players. I certainly do not want to jinx him like you & I hope he has a great and injury free season.@geoffw I think Gilmore appeared in all of Batley's games last season or all but one.Don't want to jinx him,like.
Lyons will be 6 if Danny out, Jack benching and Fleming at full back
Curve ball , but bear with me. An option at half could be Ant Walker if needed ?
We’ve already seen his soft hands on display , nice draw and pass and capable of a neat off load after attracting multiple defenders. The early part of the season always bring with it some tricky conditions and with ant , we could have a extra forward to take the tough carries out of our own half and then to come steaming on to a crash ball on our opponents line
If Lyons isn't good enough to deputise in the absence of Craven then he shouldn't be in the squad at all.And this up coming friendly at Saints is a waste of time and too near the start of the season to allow for any knocks to clear.We don't owe Percival any favours anyway.Not sure why we've agreed to it.
Lyons will be 6 if Danny out, Jack benching and Fleming at full back
It should be that way but JK will never not play his captain when fit.
Ant Walker at half back? I've read some crazy stuff on this forum over the years but that could be the craziest of all 😱