p.s - am not expecting any points today. Brisbane are way ahead of us on prep. Our first 3 games are Ernie's transition period for me, but I expect results to pickup from game 4 or 5. Ernie's focus in last few months or so, has had to be to sort thru the kids. Signing a quality kid like Alex Rufer was easy. You only have to watch him for 5 mins and know he potentially is a big star. But sorting some of the rest would be a headache, as mental attitude on and off the field (and other aspects) is variable with NZ youth players.
Anyway predictions
1. Slow start. Bugger all points in first 3 games.
2. Rapid improvement from game 5.
3. Finish 5 or 6, but be a real handful in playoffs.
4. Stein will be so much more effective under Ernie.
5. Cunningham and Rufer to head other star standouts.