I was thinking the same, although do the club see Parsons as a half or 9 long term?

As I always say, would love us to give some more kids a chance in the 1st team.

Should Dwyer, Ward + Cuthbertson leave, let's promote from within again!

Why would we need to let another go? Luckily before COVID-19 we had a ton of money to play with in the salary cap (pretty much Agars words) so I doubt we need to offload.

That pack lacks quality in depth. We only have 2 good props. Sutcliffe is an decent squad player not much else. Lose the class of Ward and we are well short imo and Cuthbo likely to retire.. it would leave us too short imo. Can’t just throw loads of kids in.. it needs balance.

The bits I’ve seen of Burton I thought he looked good, as did the other brother.
What makes you think he won’t step up? Too many are thrown to the scrap heap at 18 these days.

Ward barely plays and while I would be sad to see him go, playing wise it wouldn't be that big a loss. We had started the season really well without him. We still have Martin, mellor, Smith, Donaldson, suttys and Walters. For me that means we can look or even wait for quality. We don't need to rush into a bad signing.

As for the front row. Ava and Prior are doing the business with oledzki and Cuthbo off the bench. Behind them we have holroyd, muizz, Crosby (ok maybe not him) and Albert technically? Given the lack of experience if Cuthbo goes and Crosby ( as well as Albert if he hasn't already - I can't remember) then I would suggest we need a quality prop and we can see how holroyd and muizz look before deciding if we need another.

We have cash, some decent youth prospects and some confidence again so I don't think we need to rush anything. We can take some time to pick up quality and blend it with the good youth players.

We have:
Props

Ava
Prior
Cuthbertson
Crosby
Mik
Holroyd
Dupree
Muiz

8 players for 4 positions

Back row:
Ward*
Cam Smith
Martin
Mellor
L Sutcliffe
A Sutcliffe
Walters
Donaldson

7 players for 3 positions.

You can make the argument about the lack of proven quality, but there's a definite surplus there. If Cuthbertson leaves then I think we'll promote Mik and Holroyd will take Mik's place in the squad.
I'm not convinced that Cuthbertson will leave, to be honest.

His brother Joe is a quality kid with a bit of a chance i dont see Oli as anywhere near the same quality. Such a shame Corey decided to not persue he was head and shoulders above all the other young 9s at the club.

We will need to start bringing the kids thru as the reserves are no more. Scrapped and reverting back to u19s next season and no more reserve games this season.

If Ward does go, and for me that would be a shame, then Walters must be his replacement. If not now, when...

I agree promote Walters to cover Ward.
I really cannot see Cuthbertson playing into next season and Crosby well who knows.
The other worry is who will cover Walker if and when he gets injured?
Please not Sutcliffe.
I can also see Tom Briscoe leaving with probably Luke taking his place or Hall returning.

Not all these players will leave. Other clubs wont be able to afford them. Covid is going to hit clubs hard.