It looks to me as if both JJB and Achurch have been pushed a step further down in the 2nd Row hierarchy.

Given the number of props we have got I find it very unlikely that, as a previous poster put it, "expect to see JJB spending some time at prop".

Based on last season it looks more likely that Cuthbertson will be the loose forward until Ward is back to full fitness.

JJB is a great character and has been a great player but with his injury record and turning 35 during next season I wonder if he should be thinking about retiring. Keinhorst has a very similar build and can do a similar job but also cover centre.

Achurch has had a few chances and shown only glimpses perhaps we can let him go as well - Mullally is the same build and looks just as fast maybe we could have him as cover for prop and 2nd row?

Moving on to the halves.. Lilley has looked pretty good in his few games and his kicking is accurate - it will be interesting to see, especially before Sutcliffe gets back, how McGuire, Burrow & Falloon get on and whether Lilley might be a better ft than Burrow.

Lilley could well get a chance. I'd be surprised if either of the 1st choice halves goes through the season uninjured. Plus, as Gotcha has pointed out, he could well be our best goalkicker which isn't to be sniffed at.

I think he'd really have to go some to get a new contract. Ferres for a start will be offered a longer and better paid deal after this year and potentially better money for the likes of Lilley or another youngster if they have a good year. Add to it that Falloon will either be like Ferres and offered a new longer deal or we'll be on the hunt for another starting hooker then Achurch's rumoured big salary will possibly be needed to make some of the above possible on the 2017 salary cap.

I think the sheer grind of the new league structure requires a considerably bigger squad than previously. Hopefully the kudos of playing for this undisputed champion team will keep players patient for a piece of the action...

If we go with McGuire and Lilley it means burrow and Sutcliffe fighting it out for the last bench spot. Might be a good idea for the first few games while Sutcliffe gets comfortable with his leg.
Achurch must be gone at the end of this year. He seems to constantly injured or average at best and with Ablett,ferres,Ward,Delaney,JJB and keinhorst we don't need him.
His cap space should easily improve deals for Ferres,Falloon and Lilley if needed.