All General Super League to be discussed in here...
Moderated By: Glassblower, Jo-Jo HKR

Following a dreadful 2009 which saw the Bulls fail to make the playoffs for the first time, excitement is once again brewing at the Grattan Stadium. One of the most successful teams of the Super League era, the Bulls are destined to be back with a bang this year after the amazing capture of Aussie Matt Orford, mixing with the likes of Brett Kearney, Steve Menzies and the exciting youngsters coming through the ranks in the Burgess twins, James Donaldson and Elliot Whitehead. It is a season of huge change at Odsal, that could once again end with the Bulls ripping fear into the heart of Super League.
Moderated By: Glassblower, Jo-Jo HKR

Seventh spot in the league was a big improvement for Cas’ in 2009. Opinion is divided as to whether they overachieved, but an improvement in their defence and home form for SLXV could see them better that. Signings have been low key and with a lack of depth, they will once again look to bolster the squad by relying on home grown talent. Avoiding injuries may also be key to what sort of season they have. Off the field, impressive plans for a new stadium were revealed. 2010 will be a season of promise. But can they turn that into reality?
Moderated By: Glassblower, Jo-Jo HKR

For the Dragons, 2009 was a disappointment on the playing field after their fine showing the previous year. The loss of Greg Bird in the off season is a major blow too, but the arrival of Setaimata Sa and Dallas Johnson prove that Catalans can still attract the game’s big names. Another Aussie, winger Chris Walker, joins from Bradford. The Catalans have been a great success in Super League and the experiment in taking the Warrington game to Barcelona was a masterstroke and is sure to be repeated. A top six finish is a realistic target in 2010.
Moderated By: Glassblower, Jo-Jo HKR

Most observers thought it would be tough for Crusaders in their first season in SL, but no-one could have predicted just how tough. The disappointment in securing only three victories all season was overshadowed by a plethora of off-field problems, which surfaced at depressingly regular intervals after the season ended. These culminated in original owner, Leighton Samuel, selling his stake in the club. On a more positive note, Crusaders have now re-located to Wrexham and have a new top class coaching team headed by Brian Noble. Despite this, the wooden spoon looks even more nailed on for 2010 than last year.
Moderated By: Glassblower, Jo-Jo HKR

It was another tough season for the ‘Quins in 2009, despite a bright start and once again they failed to make the end of season play-offs. With mainly low-key signings since the season ended, the prospects for 2010 don’t look much better on paper. However, they undoubtedly have the potential to finish in the top half of the table and you can expect them to confound a few more critics this season. The pre WCC warm up match against a strong Melbourne Storm outfit will give an early indication of their potential in 2010.
Moderated By: Glassblower, Jo-Jo HKR

An appearance in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley was just reward for some fine performances over the season, but the Giants just fell short of the mark in an entertaining final against Warrington. With Liam Fulton returning to Oz, Nathan Brown has gone for mainly home grown players in the transfer market, to improve the squad’s strength in depth. Crowds improved considerably in 2009 and Huddersfield will be hoping to consolidate on both performances and attendances in 2010.
Moderated By: Glassblower, Jo-Jo HKR

After a second disastrous season for FC, the club decided to take drastric action and had a mass clear out, releasing 10 players and 2 coaches. A rebuild was needed and with Tansey joining the club toward the end of the season, together with the signings of Long, O'Meley, Turner and Fitzgibbon, Hull are looking to make the play-offs at the very least. With a very strong pack and back line being led by Sean Long, Hull have the potential to become a real force again.
Moderated By: Glassblower, Jo-Jo HKR

2009 was a great season for Hull Kingston Rovers, finishing 4th in the Super League with some great performances, beating their neighbours Hull FC twice and two great performances against St Helens. However, failing to progress in the play-offs, losing heavily to Leeds and being overpowered by Wigan, as well as losing to a golden point winner against Warrington in the Challenge Cup left them without a sniff of silverware. Could Justin Morgan finally leads the Robins to a final in 2010?
Moderated By: Glassblower, Jo-Jo HKR

The Rhinos came up on the rails once again, to snatch the Grand Final prize in 2008. And the defending champions have recruited well during the off season, bagging among others the promising young prop Luke Ambler from Salford, New Zealand World Cup Winner Greg Eastwood from Brisbane Broncos and Aussie ace Danny Buderus from Newcastle Knights. Could 2009 see Leeds Rhinos stampede through Super League XIV and triumph for a record breaking third season?
Moderated By: Glassblower, Jo-Jo HKR

2009 proved to be just as tough as many predicted for the City Reds on their return to SL. They did, however, manage to bag a few prize scalps to prove that on their day they can compete with the best. But with Richie Myler, arguably their best young prospect leaving to join Warrington, the 2010 season will be no easier. As one of a clutch of clubs to be warned about their stadium plans, SLXV could prove to be a decisive one for the Reds top flight ambitions in more ways than one.
Moderated By: Glassblower, Jo-Jo HKR

A hat-trick of Grand Final appearances would indicate that Saints are still a force in the game. But to lose each one is not what the club envisaged. It has been a time of transition for St. Helens with many familiar faces making way for new young players from the Academy. But Saints fans will not want to wait much longer in the shadow of Leeds Rhinos before they taste success again. Plans for a new stadium were unveiled in 2009 which will mean an end to a long tradition at “Knowsley Road” Will they make their last years there a success, or will they continue to be the bridesmaids?
Moderated By: Glassblower, Jo-Jo HKR

The death of a player once again cast a shadow over Wakefield’s season. Leon Walker was only 20 and making his way in the game when he collapsed and died during the game at Crusaders. Prop James Stosic had the second year of his contract cancelled after he fell foul of the overseas quota rule. The Wildcats moved quickly to plug the gap by signing Hull prop Paul King. After some rumours to the contrary, Danny Brough remains at the club. With a decent squad and new stadium plans announced, the club can look forward to 2010 with some hope.
Moderated By: Glassblower, Jo-Jo HKR

Rugby League lovers welcomed Wolves finally breaking the Rhinos/Saints stranglehold on the game, by winning the 2009 Challenge Cup. The “glamour boys” of the game finally came good and lived up to their promise of being a top side. Off the field, they are one of the most solid clubs in the league and the signing of Richie Myler for £200,000 signalled an intent not to rest on their laurels. However, some still question the ambitions of the club. Will they kick-on in 2010 or revert to their previous tag as under achievers?
Moderated By: Glassblower, Jo-Jo HKR

After finishing sixth in the table, The Warriors eventually went out in the semi final of the play-offs to local rivals St. Helens and at the same stage in the Challenge Cup to Warrington. Wigan’s major signing before the new season is Melbourne Storm assistant coach Michael Maguire. He takes charge after Brian Noble’s contract wasn’t renewed. Wigan brought in former Great Britain scrum half Paul Deacon from The Bulls. Will this be the year for some of Wigan’s young players to stake their claim for a first team spot?
Moderated By: Glassblower, Jo-Jo HKR

Discuss the latest non-league happenings. Anything that is not club specific goes in here too!
Moderated By: Glassblower, Jo-Jo HKR