If we are going to be genuine contender then we'll have to see a marked improvement in many of our second row options.Gannon is only a kid so he needs to be looked after and Walters (for whatever reason) has barely played.Martin has hit a bit of form now but overall hasn't had a great this season and to me mellor is ok but not much better than that.

If we keep Martin he starts for me, not a big fan of Mellor.

Bentley
Martin
Mellor
Walters
Gannon

With Bentley and Martin pencilled in as starters then no particular order after that, This looks about right for next season to me. I wouldnt be looking to retain Mellor after next season and would be hoping Walters would be ahead of him by then anyways. Gannons exceptional but i would be managing his gametime carefully for the next 18 month.

Walters has to become more physical or his game time will be limited at Leeds. Hes all the ability to become a very good player but toughness is a requirement and hes got to produce.

Like most taller players, Walters is currently struggling to increase his physicality. Think Chris Feather or Wayne McDonald. He needs to really work on his strength and determination if he’s going to fulfil his huge potential.

Agreed, he's not there at the minute but hope within the next 18 month he should be looking at getting ahead of Mellor who isnt the most physical/tough backrower himself.

They’ll get it even with Martin here, we’ll most definitely get injuries too and we need quality depth. His experience will help them too.

I'm not sure it's the physicality Walters struggles with, he just doesn't seem like he has much appetite for the graft. He's way more more talented than O'connor, but O'Connor definitely seems to more of the required mentality than Walters

We’ve not seen lots of Walters this year don’t forget.

He could be an absolute specimen physically with his frame - but it will take a little time. He needs to get his D sorted too; I get one of the downsides being so tall is bending your back for everyone else who’s shorter - it can all get a bit grabby.

I still think there’s a player in there and with a good pre-season I’m hoping we’ll see more of it next year. Gannon will also benefit massively from more conditioning, as will Tommy Holroyd.

Mellor is a tough one - I don’t think his skill level is where I’d like (really poor several times jumping for kicks for example)… but actually he was starting to win me round this year. I guess he has another year to cement his place.

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I quite like Mellor, he has improved steadily this year and runs good lines off Gale. However, young Gannon (I can't believe he is 17) runs better lines than any 2nd row at the club. He doesn't flap either. I'm a fan.

That line he ran for the break in the first half yesterday was all class, Im a fan too!

I agree about Walters for mine he will only improve by playing more games on the bounce, not in for a game then miss the next 5.In the last game he was at centre. Bentley Mellor Gannon and Walters could be our main second rowers for years