With Levi Edwards, Max Simpson and the new signing Luis Roberts we’ve got some good prospects and competition for that centre spot, it’s probably just a season or 2 too early for any of them to get the 3 or 4 shirt and play 20+ Super League games at centre. With the squad as it stands I think Olpherts will be our starting centre.

We have to be patient with these kids. We've seen what can happen when they get thrown in too soon - Walker totally crocked; Newman consistently crocked; Holroyd yet to put any kind of run together because of injury. Glad that Smith wants to look after Gannon and I hope he develops the likes of Simpson and Edwards slowly. In todays game 20/21 is the new 18/19 for these players.

Hmmm not sure about that. Walkers main injury been a completely freak foot one, that could have happened in a junior game. Holroyd not played anywhere near enough first grade to explain the amount of injuries. And wild horses couldn’t have held Newman back, he was so ready.
Far as I’m concerned if your good enough to merit a spot in the 17 you should be getting some opportunities……
Look at Welsby and Dodd at Saint’s for comparison.

No better than Briscoe at centre, possibly worse if that’s the case. Do we want that? We’ll have no quality centres if Newman misses so many games too……

Not sure how anyone could be worse than this year's version of Briscoe in the centres......

Bodene has signed for the Bulls. Maybe not the last if we are to sign MacDonald.

Bodene was off contract anyway!

Dodds been injured all year ! And so has Newman!
I think Arthurs wider point is that putting too much of a strain and workload can affect their development both pyhsically and mentally and some players need longer to mature and develop.
Also much easier to do that in a team that is settled winning and has a big physical pack. You will have exceptions like Welsby and Sir Kev who are just born ready but some clearly have the talent but it takes a bit longer to come through. Cam Smith this year has started to fulfil the potential that eveybody knew he had but its taken a while. In some cases its a mental maturity as well as a physical one. If we have a bigger pack next year and are not flogging our backs bringing the ball off our line every game then great time to introduce Edwards/Simpson but lets do it gradually with a view on the long term!

There will always be exceptions. Welsby has been outstanding at every level of the game and he is big robust kid for his position. Dodd is excellent, but he just been out injured for half a season. Hope that isn't a sign of things to come. When I watched young Simpson this year I wanted to put my hands over my eyes. He looked like a boy and the opposition targetted him constantly. Not surprisingly, he picked up a season ending injury. Not saying these kids shouldn't get chances but it will have to be more carefully managed than in the past. On loan in the championship is a great place to learn.

Smith was clearly surprised at having so few reserves in their early 20s at Leeds. Its rare in Aus for kids to play first grade as teenagers, and he was probably shocked at having to pick 17 year olds. That is clearly the driver behind some of the off-season signings. I'd be surprised if Simpson or Sinfield were to play as many games next year as this. Even Gannon might get used more sparingly, as Smith seems to want to manage him carefully.

Oliver Gildart being reported in Australia as a released player with no club for 2023 currently. I would much rather him than Nene MacDonald. Plus, he’s not a quota player.