This genuinely might be my ignorance, but what's the difference in playing Prior at loose to prop? It's not like he is ball playing (although he does have good hands). He's still defending in the middle unit and driving up the pitch? Is it just the difference of having 3 props on the pitch rather than 2?

The other consideration is how much the 6 again rule will change the way teams play. I like the idea of more mobility and a slightly lighter pack to reflect that.

King V plays both prop and back row so it depends how he’s used

If he's used as backrower I'll be disappointed that we've used our only overseas spot to add strength to an area we are already quite strong.

This is the pack and bench I’d pick. Bodene Thompson may get in ahead of someone. Donaldson has the heart of a lion and always gives it 100% but I can’t see Donaldson getting in the 17 without injuries (which we will pick up through the season so I expect him to get game time still)

Let’s see how he goes and give him a chance before were disappointed with him. The fact he can play either prop or second row is surely an advantage. I believe he started out on the wing too.

I hear you but that's assuming Donaldson is going to make the bench i'm not sure that will be the case if we have a full squad.

I won't be disappointed with him personally (unless he's rubbish) I just hope he gives us something different to prior,mellor,thompson,smith martin etc.Being good in the back and front row would be really useful.

If he improves the team then it doesn't really matter.He does look more of a back rower the little bit ive seen of him.I think he'll be used in both front and back row.

He looked good for Fiji i'm fairly optimistic he's going to be a good signing.

Which match did you watch? I'll have a nosey if I get the chance.

I used Donaldson as the example because he's the one who i personaly cant see being left out, as i mentioned in my original post, i hope im wrong on that. You could replace Donaldson with A Suttcliffe or Thompson as the other bench player and my opinion would still stand, id go with two props/hooker/and 1 of Smith, Donaldson, Thompson, A Suttcliffe because i prefer to have a couple of big ball carriers on the bench, my preference of those 4 would be Smith. Thompsons the interesting one depending on how they plan to use him as he's got some size and a bit of go forward.

The new set restart rule gets a lot of attention with regards to how to deal with it defensively...smaller, lighter packs etc, but theres a balance to be found, you still want to be winning your share aswel, you do that by denting the line and pulling in defenders, big bodys do that. If we had 5 big plodding props, id agree that the balance is too far towards size and not enough mobility, but all 5 of our props are good athletes and moblie, think they would give us a good balance...Again, its a personal preference on how you like your bench set up and what you want from it.

Theres games on YT from the 2019 ociana cup against Samoa and PNG, think thery two seperate videos for each game, 1st half on one 2nd half on the other, i was impressed with him watching these games, good Yards after contact.

No idea who he is but love the name. Look forward to some "KIng Hit!" exclamations from commentators and crowds.

Its a great name.Me and some of my friends are calling him Elvis

TBH I can’t see Thompson missing out on the 17. Agar and Sinfield like his work rate and defence. That’s why they gave him one of our overseas spots.
And I would expect King to make the first 17.
I can see Donaldson getting less minutes than last season and I think Holroyd will see some more rotation. We relied on him every week too much last season.
Also, I think we need to see more from Mellor for him to be guaranteed 17 every week.
Mik, Tet, Prior and Martyn are guaranteed 17.
But having said all that, injuries will undoubtedly play a part, so it’s good that we have some more strength in depth.