Usually at this time of the year there is a fair amount of speculation on what sort of year the North Harbour team will have. This is almost always misguided enthusiasm and ultimately leaves the scarce few in tears and "howls of what might have been".

I am worried this season and I'll tell you why:

1. Coach.
Never rated Pollock and Anscombe was at best an average player in an average pack. Didn't Polly take Toyota (more money than the Wallabies) to the 2nd Division?. Going back to coaches that have served as well in the past has been fraught with failure in the annals of North Harbour history. Why they have done this I am just not sure. He has never given me the impression that the players could relate to or even respect him. This above all else is a worry and a half.

2. Forward Pack.
This year is the first we have taken the park without the Massey Assassins. This concerns the author a lot. Although it can be argued that they spent more time off the field/magistrates court than on it, fact is they added intimidating steel and a formidable presence. The forwards, while having one or two All Blacks look light in experience and don't have the feel of a cohesive pack. The backs look shit hot, but the ball must get to them if we have any hope of making a decent fist of it.

3. First Three Games:
We must win against the 'Naki or we face real problems. Lose to the six-fingered dairy farmers and it doesn't look good. Their milk solid payout is unexpectedly up and confidence and animal buggery will be at an all-time high. Canterbury, Auckland and Wellington follow and they all have excellent squads (mainly because of the corporate toss that it the Super 12). We lost our first few last year and it puts us under incredible pressure, pressure I'm not sure we can handle this year.

Predictions (as at 9/8/04)
- Final Position: 6th
- Highlight of the Season: Winning the Ranfurly Shield for the first time
- Best Player: Rico Gear
- Top try Scorer: Hosea Gear
- Surprise Package: Brent Wilson
- Disappointing Package: Luke McAlister
- Unusual event: Harbourmaster is caught in a compromising position with Ferdinand the Bull
- Best game: NH V Scum at Hell's Ditch (Eden Park)

Well I have put my non-existent reputation on the line, I hope they have a freakish season as we deserve it.

Sadly I feel the toll of Super 12 rugby is starting to eat into the fabric of Harbour. With Evans leaving and Newby doing everything he can to go with him, the future without guaranteed Blues places looks grim.

Have a good season.