I get the impression a lot of people are underestimating Merrin. personally, I thought he showed some good glimpses for a first hit out and I read somewhere he played with a chest infection. he will bring much-needed leadership and added steel to the pack. I do agree we need a meter crunching prop but I get the impression we are going to go with what we have and bring in a big signing in 2020. like Wire with Widdop.

Totally Agree with Harrigan regarding Ward he was immense along with the introduction of Oledzki and Cuthbo at the back end of the first half on Sunday that's when we really improved and looked a much better side.

What's everyone's thoughts on Dwyer? Am I alone in thinking we step up a gear when he comes on? I thought he outplayed Parcell in the second half of last year and on Sunday I thought we looked the better team when he was controlling the ruck too.

I didn't get to the game on Sunday but Dwyer was definately the better of the 2 @ the back end of last year

Very good, but he can't do the minutes Parcell does, doesn't have the stamina at all.

Solid. gives you a spark which is his role in the side, but not the brain. the Expectation on Parcell is rightly higher and sometimes he does get wrongfully criticised as he very rarely has a bad game.

I don't know if I like Dwyer in defence as much, there's a reason why Wire let him go. Also, with the new interchange rule (and I know we played Burrow out of position as an impact hooker for years under McD) - I would prefer to see an 80 minute hooker to be honest, which I think Corey Johnson could be.

I think there will still be a couple of changes to the run-on side and bench for round 1 compared to who played against Cas. You would imagine we'll have a fully fit squad by then so Furner will be showing us his hand. Handley might be first nod to play wing outside Hurrell by the looks; T Briscoe replaces Newman, Crosby replaces someone... hopefully Merrin stays in the back row though, partnered with Ward and Ferres or Ward and Smith.

Oledzski Parcell Singleton
Ward Merrin
Smith
Myler
Tui
Handley Hurrell Watkins Briscoe
Walker

Cuthbertson
Peteru
Ferres
Dwyer

?

I Believe looking at Oledzki on Sunday he looks fitter and stronger which I suppose is to be expected given his age. if he can stay fit I believe he will be pushing for a starting place this season.

Walker
Tom, Watkins, Hurrell, Handley
Tui, Myler,
Oledzki, Parcell, Singleton
Ward, Ferres
Merrin

Dwyer, Peteru, Cuthbo Smith/Crosby/Abbo/JJb /Sutcliffe

tough call on that 17th man for me Smith deserves a shot

Harrigan- Totally agree re-starting BR however Ferres wouldn't be in my 1st choice 17 at all.
With regards to Dwyer he is always sharp around the ruck and gives us a spark when he is on but id be starting with Parcell for now.
At some point though I expect to see Corey Johnson given a run out especially with MP OOC this year then the dynamic may change to start with i.e Dwyer starting Johnson on the bench.

Squad for me would be:

Walker
Briscoe, Watkins, Hurrell, Handley
Tui, Myler,
Crosby, Parcell, Singleton
Ward, Ablett
Merrin

Dwyer, Oledzki, Cuthbo Smith- Peteru,Ferres

If Ablett isn`t fit put Peteru in and draft JJB into the 19

Even if Ablett is fit what's he done to warrant selection over C.Smith?

i would like to see smith play over Ferres and possibly JJb who lets face it mind wants to body does not, he should have stepped down a division if he still wants to play. Dual reg at fev maybe.
Ablett is still one of our best forwards for making clean breaks and can still run a bit, see his try against warrington last year, so we need that.
do agree think Cameron Smith has to be given plenty of game time now,and just let him play his natural game