25 replies to this topic

[duffymoon]

Now that the squad is finalised does anyone know if the website is going to be fully updated to show all the profiles, pictures were taken at the race night so whoever is maintaining it can we have it updated at least before the Northern Rail Cup.

I was thinking the very same thing myself! the site is still showing last seasons shirts.As a 2011 shirt sponsor I was looking forward to seeing my name on the website.

[marshy1]

Interesting that everyone seems to be writing off Whitehaven. I'd be surprised if they aren't in the top 3 personally, as there is a big gulf in standards between the Championship and Championship One and last season was badly out of character for them after several cammpaigns challenging towards the top. Nobody else at this level has anywhere near the pace of Craig Calvert; I fully expect him to get a hatfull of tries.

Barry Eaton leaving Keighley is going to be a massive blow to them.

The only possible weak area in the Swinton Lions squad in my view is centre, where I think Dean Thompson and/or Adam Ryder need to come good. All other positions have a degree of strength in depth and a mix of youth and experience. Lots of talent there, allied to a coach that ought to be able to bring the basics of fitness, discipline, team work, application and will to win - without which the talent is worthless as previous seasons have shown.

The opening set of 4 games against Barrow, Salford, Halifax and Leigh is going to be a very stern test. It will be important for the side to grit its teeth a bit and get as competitive as possible in these 4 games, rather than writing them off and throwing in the towel, as a defeatist attitude will give a lack of momentum going into the league campaign. The low number of fixtures makes it essential to start well. To be top 3 you can only lose about 4 league games.

I wish Rochdale well, they have got the league's best full back and probably 2nd best hooker and they both ought to still be Swinton players.

Are you suggesting Richie Hawkyard isn't as good?

[THE PIMPERNEL]

[quote name='PhillH' date='Dec 23 2010, 10:55 AM' post='2177620']
Interesting that everyone seems to be writing off Whitehaven. I'd be surprised if they aren't in the top 3 personally, as there is a big gulf in standards between the Championship and Championship One and last season was badly out of character for them after several cammpaigns challenging towards the top. Nobody else at this level has anywhere near the pace of Craig Calvert; I fully expect him to get a hatfull of tries.

Don't they also start the season on minus nine points after having to go into administration at or near the end of last season? Mind you if they were based in Wrexham it !would only be four points

[PhillH]

Don't they also start the season on minus nine points after having to go into administration at or near the end of last season? Mind you if they were based in Wrexham it !would only be four points

Hadn't realised that, but still wouldn't totally write Whitehaven off. They won't lose at home often, if at all.

Virtually every club in 2011's Championship One has been through administration in the last 4 years then. Tells a story.

As for the inequality with the treatment of not just the Crusaders but also the Harlequins before them, well that's the RFL for you!!!! Such blatant unfairness ought to be illegal.

[PhillH]

Are you suggesting Richie Hawkyard isn't as good?

Wayne English every time for me. If he gets a chance, Ian Mort will give Richie Hawkyard a run for his money this season. A talented player who is very hungry for the chance to prove Ian Millward wrong, from what I've been told.

[oldhamer]

Two seasons Oldham had a team that would of walked CC1 and possibly been in the top 3 at CC with the signings of Dave Allen, The Coyles, Ballard, Halliwell etc. But they struggled to deliver. Sometimes, it's best to have team that are 'team mates' rather than standout individuals, time will tell. But yes, Swinton have a fantastic squad of players.