And they're off....
Runners & Riders for the 2008/9 ND1 Championship
And they're off....
By Peter Creek July 10 2008
The format of ND1 has now been settled with Coventry saved by their fans and Pertemps Bees (Now renamed Birmingham/Solihull again) confirmed as relegated. So here is a rundown of the clubs vying for a place in the GP next season with some cobbled together odds. Don't try to get this at William Hill's - its just for fun....
And they're off....
The format of ND1 has now been settled with Coventry saved by their fans and Pertemps Bees (Now renamed Birmingham/Solihull again) confirmed as relegated. So here is a rundown of the clubs vying for a place in the GP next season with some cobbled together odds. Don't try to get this at William Hill's - its just for fun....
BEDFORD (10/1)
Lovely club in the East Midlands – will always be top half but will always be the bridesmaid never the bride.
Prediction: 6th
CORNISH PIRATES (12/1)
Not the force it once was & acts as a feeder club for it’s wealthy neighbours across the Tamar.
Prediction: 7th
COVENTRY (80/1)
Just by turning out this season Cov have triumphed over adversity. Off field issues will continue to dominate – will struggle this time.
Prediction: 14th
Doncaster (3/1)
Canny acquisitions will ensure that Donny are in the mix at the end of the season.
Prediction: 4th
ESHER (120/1)
I think this season will be one long struggle for Esher.
Prediction: 16th
EXETER (5/1)
Much hype about Exe and their chances during the close season.. Some of their acquisitions lack the required quality
Prediction: 5th
LEEDS TYKES (5/4 on)
Parachute payment plus the X factor coach should ensure speedy return to the promised land.
Prediction: 1st
LONDON WELSH (evens)
Tipped as a surprise package this time around. Expect Welsh to put more fancied teams to the sword.
Prediction: 2nd
MANCHESTER (25/1)
Happy to be in the second flight – expect a season of consolidation.
Prediction: 10th
MOSELEY (50/1)
Cannot be as bad as last season – will finish in the lower half.
Prediction: 12th
NEWBURY (60/1)
Another club where off-field activities will overshadow the rugby
Prediction: 13th
NOTTINGHAM (2/1)
Will continue to exceed expectations with a settled squad and the best facilities in the division bar none.
Prediction: 3rd
OTLEY (30/1)
Capable of upsetting any of the fancied sides – will consolidate their position next season.
Prediction: 11th
PLYMOUTH (15/1)
Another club reduced to acting as a feeder club for a wealthy neighbour.
Prediction: 8th
ROTHERHAM (100/1)
Roth have lost too many players to stay in this division. Expect the occasional upset at Clifton Lane when the tide is in.
Prediction: 15th
SEDGELEY PARK (20/1)
Park stayed up due to a late flourish last time out – expect a season of consolidation.
Prediction: 9th
Disagree with Peter's Predictions? Have a go yourself then! Post your predicted final league table below!
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Stumbleupon| 10 Jul, 2008 10:00 | Report |
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Hutchie1 (IP Logged) Registered User |
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Re: Runners & Riders for the 2008/9 ND1 Championship
I know as a Roth fan i'm biased, but i think the prediction for Roth is a way off the mark. True we've lost a lot of players, but most of them were brought in by the previous coach and proved not to be even close to the standard required in ND1. Westy has now recruited quite a few proven ND1 performers, including players from nottingham and donny along with a couple of sedgelys better players. Hopefully we'll do a fair bit better this season.
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| 10 Jul, 2008 11:17 | Report |
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Fan of Rugby (IP Logged) Registered User |
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Re: Runners & Riders for the 2008/9 ND1 Championship
Sorry guys from other clubs, some people who write on here have about as much rugby knowledge as a 3 year old girl. One of them wrote an article that Neil Back was 100/1 to get the Leeds job, another makes sweeping statements regarding personel in the rugby world getting them completely wrong, and one likes to think everything is merry all the time, when time and time again they are proved wrong. You'll be better off walking into your local supermarket and asking the opinions of the lady on the checkout.
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| 10 Jul, 2008 11:50 | Report |
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apb (IP Logged) Registered User |
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Re: Runners & Riders for the 2008/9 ND1 Championship
This is one man's guesses based on what we can see happening out in the glare of media (i.e. very little as far as ND1 is concerned). It may be wildly inaccurate, it may prove to be a little closer than some of us may wish to believe. Point is that it is at least a matter of record what Peter thinks about it today.... things may change tomorrow or in three months time, but today, it's this.
TykesRugby.co.uk
Supporting Leeds RU since 2002
TykesRugby.co.uk
Supporting Leeds RU since 2002
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| 10 Jul, 2008 12:50 | Report |
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Re: Runners & Riders for the 2008/9 ND1 Championship
I'll agree with Dragon about the top end of the table. At the moment I write from South-West London and I've heard a couple of local comments about L. Welsh confidence and former top clubs being in for a few surprises!
I think Otley could well struggle despite the new signings - I hope not as they are my 'second-team'.
Red Bull - do you know if there any more potential signings in the pipe line? Is the current set up likely to be final for the no.10 spot?
I think Otley could well struggle despite the new signings - I hope not as they are my 'second-team'.
Red Bull - do you know if there any more potential signings in the pipe line? Is the current set up likely to be final for the no.10 spot?
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Re: Runners & Riders for the 2008/9 ND1 Championship
Loosey - yes, I was pleased to see that. He had some excellent games toward the end of the season when on loan, seeming to improve from one match to the next. By the last couple of games he was a stand-out player in ND2 - it will be very interesting to see how he copes in ND1 as he did well for the county team too.
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| 14 Jul, 2008 20:48 | Report |
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Re: Runners & Riders for the 2008/9 ND1 Championship
I think it will be tighter than people think and we're by no means guaranteed promotion at a canter. Remember who many players are going and how many are coming in to replace then...
Your bullets cannot harm me! My wings are like a shield of Steel!
Your bullets cannot harm me! My wings are like a shield of Steel!
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Re: Runners & Riders for the 2008/9 ND1 Championship
1st ?
2nd ?
3rd ?
don't claim to have the answers however expect it to be tighter than ever before. a number of clubs have improved their squads some with proven talent others with up and coming talent.its not going to be like last years northampton's parade around the clubs.
there will be twists and turns while we all put the new rules into our games. all the best to all i say .
come on albion you know it makes sense 8th ?
2nd ?
3rd ?
don't claim to have the answers however expect it to be tighter than ever before. a number of clubs have improved their squads some with proven talent others with up and coming talent.its not going to be like last years northampton's parade around the clubs.
there will be twists and turns while we all put the new rules into our games. all the best to all i say .
come on albion you know it makes sense 8th ?
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| 21 Jul, 2008 19:33 | Report |
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Re: Runners & Riders for the 2008/9 ND1 Championship
One big difference for us this time around is we are not starting the season with a whole new set of players like our last visit to ND1. We have a squad that have had a season of GP intensity rugby in them, several players with a few seasons. The players we recruited for GP were all players that had stood out in ND1. These players can only have developed from last years experience so once again will shine. A few new faces have come in that add to the squad and I'm sure a few more will come on board yet. Leeds are a far better prepared team for this season than they were two years ago.
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| 22 Jul, 2008 11:56 | Report |
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| 22 Jul, 2008 12:05 | Report |
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Re: Runners & Riders for the 2008/9 ND1 Championship
Quote:Orange Feather
Not at Exeter. Any thing can happen this season with the new ELV rules and lots of changes at all clubs. It's a lot different then when you were in Div1 last time
Exeter may need to revert back to the old laws as England looked to have binned the ELV Aussie news
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| 22 Jul, 2008 12:21 | Report |
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Re: Runners & Riders for the 2008/9 ND1 Championship
Loosehead what has happened is that it was initially thought all of the ELVs would be trialled in the Anglo/Welsh farce including handling in the ruck and most offences downgraded to free kicks rather than penalties ("the most contentious") whereas all the rest of Northern Hemisphere Rugby would trial most of the rest including pulling down the maul, no number requirements at the lineout, offside line 5 metres back from the scrum etc.
The latter will still take place but the clubs said it was a nonsense to try the other rules in the Anglo/Welsh tournament as it would be confusing. They have therefore declined to trial those although they will be using the others.
The latter will still take place but the clubs said it was a nonsense to try the other rules in the Anglo/Welsh tournament as it would be confusing. They have therefore declined to trial those although they will be using the others.
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| 22 Jul, 2008 13:32 | Report |
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Re: Runners & Riders for the 2008/9 ND1 Championship
Loosehead's reference to Mr O'Neill's comments show a fascinating insight into how the men at the IRB and certain others treat the ordinaries in the game with utter disdain. On 1st May 2008, the IRB Council announced the ELV's would be trialled in the NH for the new season. At the same time the RFU was conducting a global survey (between 24/4/08 and 9/5/08); the eventual survey received over 18 thousand replies from 82 different countries. One of the results of the survey showed that 74% of respondents believed that for the professional game there were too many ELV changes proposed to be trialled simultaneously. Whilst the members of the IRB Council obviously knew of this survey, they were too arrogant to wait for soundings from interested parties. It seems to me there is little doubt that certain people are trying to steamroller through these law changes.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:07:22:13:39:01 by prawn cocktail.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:07:22:13:39:01 by prawn cocktail.
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Goat Man |
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Re: Runners & Riders for the 2008/9 ND1 Championship
Antbody writing Pirates off does so at their peril. The Cornish fans are worth an extra man on the pitch and the away support must be the envy of everyone else in the league.
Saying that, there have been some big boots to fill over the last couple of seasons, and it will be interesting to see how the massive hole left by the departure of Tim Cowley is managed. Pirates have always had a solid pack of forwards, if they can get their centres firing then a productive season is on the cards.
Saying that, there have been some big boots to fill over the last couple of seasons, and it will be interesting to see how the massive hole left by the departure of Tim Cowley is managed. Pirates have always had a solid pack of forwards, if they can get their centres firing then a productive season is on the cards.
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| 23 Jul, 2008 09:00 | Report |
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Captain Blood (IP Logged) Registered User |
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Re: Runners & Riders for the 2008/9 ND1 Championship
With regard to the Pirates, the comment ".......acts as a feeder club for it’s wealthy neighbours across the Tamar" strikes me as a bit of a strange statement.
Every ND1 club (particularly if they have players of quality) will always experience comings and goings. Yes we have lost 2 quality players to Exeter ( who have been "splashing the cash" so to speak in an effort to gain the promotion they feel they deserve), but we have also lost Tim Cowley to Bourgoin ( in the top flight in France). I vaguely remember us losing a couple of guys to some team in West Yorkshire fairly recently as well when they were in the GP. If we are a feeder club at all then it is to GP clubs, as are all ND1 clubs
I think that the next 2 years will be ones of consolidation for the CPs both on the pitch and off it. Like all clubs who have experienced comings and goings it will be interesting to see how well the new team "gels". If it "gels" well then, with the support that Mark C and many others have encountered, there is no reason why we should not be "there or thereabouts" come April.
I cannot see any team " doing a Northampton" in 2008/9
"May the road rise with you"
Every ND1 club (particularly if they have players of quality) will always experience comings and goings. Yes we have lost 2 quality players to Exeter ( who have been "splashing the cash" so to speak in an effort to gain the promotion they feel they deserve), but we have also lost Tim Cowley to Bourgoin ( in the top flight in France). I vaguely remember us losing a couple of guys to some team in West Yorkshire fairly recently as well when they were in the GP. If we are a feeder club at all then it is to GP clubs, as are all ND1 clubs
I think that the next 2 years will be ones of consolidation for the CPs both on the pitch and off it. Like all clubs who have experienced comings and goings it will be interesting to see how well the new team "gels". If it "gels" well then, with the support that Mark C and many others have encountered, there is no reason why we should not be "there or thereabouts" come April.
I cannot see any team " doing a Northampton" in 2008/9
"May the road rise with you"
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| 23 Jul, 2008 12:07 | Report |
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Re: Runners & Riders for the 2008/9 ND1 Championship
Quote:I cannot see any team " doing a Northampton" in 2008/9
I disagree if any team were to add a number of more high quality players then thiscould be done, they might not score the total points but they could quite easily win 28-29 games next season.
If Leeds were to add 5 quality players of GP/S14 expereince in the key positions then who knows
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| 24 Jul, 2008 23:25 | Report |
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Captain Blood (IP Logged) Registered User |
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Re: Runners & Riders for the 2008/9 ND1 Championship
Hello Loosehead
Statistically, yes a team could "do a Northampton" I guess. And I suppose on paper it could be Leeds
But in saying that you are pre supposing a few things......
1. That you are able to keep the vast majority of your GP squad when you come down ( even Northampton did not manage this, though with the likes of Carlos Spencer etc. they were still too strong for even the best equipped ND1 squad)
2. That the standard of every team in ND1 has remained the same since the previous season ( or since the last time Leeds where in ND1). Most seasons seem to throw up a "surprise package" ( in the eyes of some it was London Welsh last season) that punches above its apparent weight.
3. That ex GP and S14 players would want to make the step down to ND1 when they could possibly still play at the top level in France, for example ( Toulon have recruited aggressively recently on this basis !)
On paper, with the resources available to you, you should return to the GP at the first time of asking. But I don't think it would be done "easily"
To use a filthy 'orrible cliche " Rugby isn't played on paper !"
"May the road rise with you"
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2008:07:24:23:35:56 by Captain Blood.
Statistically, yes a team could "do a Northampton" I guess. And I suppose on paper it could be Leeds
But in saying that you are pre supposing a few things......
1. That you are able to keep the vast majority of your GP squad when you come down ( even Northampton did not manage this, though with the likes of Carlos Spencer etc. they were still too strong for even the best equipped ND1 squad)
2. That the standard of every team in ND1 has remained the same since the previous season ( or since the last time Leeds where in ND1). Most seasons seem to throw up a "surprise package" ( in the eyes of some it was London Welsh last season) that punches above its apparent weight.
3. That ex GP and S14 players would want to make the step down to ND1 when they could possibly still play at the top level in France, for example ( Toulon have recruited aggressively recently on this basis !)
On paper, with the resources available to you, you should return to the GP at the first time of asking. But I don't think it would be done "easily"
To use a filthy 'orrible cliche " Rugby isn't played on paper !"
"May the road rise with you"
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2008:07:24:23:35:56 by Captain Blood.
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| 25 Jul, 2008 07:31 | Report |
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Re: Runners & Riders for the 2008/9 ND1 Championship
In answer to your questions
1. We have, only Hooper has gone
2. Makes no difference Nat1 improves every year, but the GP is a far higher standard & Nat1 teams have their hands tied.
3. If there were the case then most GP Teams and T14 would have squads 50-60 players when this is not the case look around most of the top teams they have shed a number of players more and more players come and go and nto all end up in the GP or T14
1. We have, only Hooper has gone
2. Makes no difference Nat1 improves every year, but the GP is a far higher standard & Nat1 teams have their hands tied.
3. If there were the case then most GP Teams and T14 would have squads 50-60 players when this is not the case look around most of the top teams they have shed a number of players more and more players come and go and nto all end up in the GP or T14
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| 25 Jul, 2008 08:05 | Report |
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Captain Blood (IP Logged) Registered User |
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Re: Runners & Riders for the 2008/9 ND1 Championship
Morning Loosehead......
In answer to "Point 1"....... Fair play.... I'm glad to see that you have been able to keep your players on longer term contracts than we were able to do with a certain Mr. Steenson ( for example !).
2. What did you mean by " "Nat1 teams have their hands tied", by the way?
I agree with you that the standard in the GP being so much higher than ND1. If no other club proved that it was Northampton !.
But one thing to bear in mind is that the majority of clubs in the last 5 years that have won ND1 have managed to stay in the GP once they got there. This has not been the case with Leeds.
Would I be too much of a heretic to suggest that your current set up might be more suitable for ND1 than the GP at this point? (bearing in mind that only Hooper has gone).
We all like to speculate about the coming campaign ( lets face it there 'aint much else to do in the "off season" apart from boast of your own chances and maybe gently "wind up" other supporters ) but I still think it would be unwise for any club to assume that they had the league won even before the pre season friendlies have started, particularly by a 28 or 29 game margin.
"May the road rise with you"
In answer to "Point 1"....... Fair play.... I'm glad to see that you have been able to keep your players on longer term contracts than we were able to do with a certain Mr. Steenson ( for example !).
2. What did you mean by " "Nat1 teams have their hands tied", by the way?
I agree with you that the standard in the GP being so much higher than ND1. If no other club proved that it was Northampton !.
But one thing to bear in mind is that the majority of clubs in the last 5 years that have won ND1 have managed to stay in the GP once they got there. This has not been the case with Leeds.
Would I be too much of a heretic to suggest that your current set up might be more suitable for ND1 than the GP at this point? (bearing in mind that only Hooper has gone).
We all like to speculate about the coming campaign ( lets face it there 'aint much else to do in the "off season" apart from boast of your own chances and maybe gently "wind up" other supporters ) but I still think it would be unwise for any club to assume that they had the league won even before the pre season friendlies have started, particularly by a 28 or 29 game margin.
"May the road rise with you"
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| 25 Jul, 2008 08:17 | Report |
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Goat Man |
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Re: Runners & Riders for the 2008/9 ND1 Championship
Loosey much as I admire your optimism, Loosey, I've got to pick you up on your last answer.
1) We've lost more than Stuart Hooper, through retirements and releases. And the failure to sign Adam Balding is a big blow.
2) Yes, there is a big difference between the GP and ND1. But to be fair, with one or two exceptions we were not a GP-standard squad ourselves. I am not surprised that one or two of the ND1 sdes fancy their chances at attaining Premiership status at our expense.
Recruitment and RETENTION will be crucial to our fortunes this season. We appear to have made immense signings off the field, with the arrival of our new coaching team. Hopefully some similar signings on the park will give us the same impetus. The first four matches of the season will be crucial in putting a marker down for the remainder of the campaign. IF we can beat Nottingham on the opening day, and get something from Exeter, we will hopefully command a little more deserved respect from our rivals.
1) We've lost more than Stuart Hooper, through retirements and releases. And the failure to sign Adam Balding is a big blow.
2) Yes, there is a big difference between the GP and ND1. But to be fair, with one or two exceptions we were not a GP-standard squad ourselves. I am not surprised that one or two of the ND1 sdes fancy their chances at attaining Premiership status at our expense.
Recruitment and RETENTION will be crucial to our fortunes this season. We appear to have made immense signings off the field, with the arrival of our new coaching team. Hopefully some similar signings on the park will give us the same impetus. The first four matches of the season will be crucial in putting a marker down for the remainder of the campaign. IF we can beat Nottingham on the opening day, and get something from Exeter, we will hopefully command a little more deserved respect from our rivals.
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| 25 Jul, 2008 12:08 | Report |
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Re: Runners & Riders for the 2008/9 ND1 Championship
Hooper was our only player to leave, Balding was never ours to lose we only had him on loan and yes whilst it would have been nice to him he was a signed Leeds player.
2. Capt Blood by this i mean Leeds have more money due to the parahute payment.
2. Capt Blood by this i mean Leeds have more money due to the parahute payment.
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| 25 Jul, 2008 16:14 | Report |
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jamesinyork2 (IP Logged) Registered User |
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Re: Runners & Riders for the 2008/9 ND1 Championship
The bit about player retention is interesting. We have lost some good players and of course no-one could have known we would also lose a month or so of recruitment time whilst we had no DoR.
Unless there are some truly remarkable signings in the next month we won't be doing a Saints, although even if we sign no more players we should win, albeit in the style of 06/07 ie won't be easy.
Unless there are some truly remarkable signings in the next month we won't be doing a Saints, although even if we sign no more players we should win, albeit in the style of 06/07 ie won't be easy.
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| 25 Jul, 2008 16:44 | Report |
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Re: Runners & Riders for the 2008/9 ND1 Championship
tbh, i'm not too fussed about a parade to promotion a la saints as last time we were in nd1, with all the twists and turns, it was the most enjoyable season i've had since way back (excepting the final month of 04/05).
whilst it would be useful to do a saints and be unbeaten through the season to lay down a marker, i can't see it happening. but then i doubt we'd struggle to recruit as much as last time even if we were to end up being promoted even later than last time.
more players will be available than last season due to it not being a rwc year and, no disrespect to lanny, but i think more players would be attracted to our current coaching set up.
but let's get our priorites right. we've got to win the opening match first.
whilst it would be useful to do a saints and be unbeaten through the season to lay down a marker, i can't see it happening. but then i doubt we'd struggle to recruit as much as last time even if we were to end up being promoted even later than last time.
more players will be available than last season due to it not being a rwc year and, no disrespect to lanny, but i think more players would be attracted to our current coaching set up.
but let's get our priorites right. we've got to win the opening match first.
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| 26 Jul, 2008 09:38 | Report |
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Re: Runners & Riders for th