Who goes at 13? I would put Ward there. With Mellor and I would genuinely keep Donaldson he deserves it, in back up and Sutcliffe as utility.

I won't disagree but I was more suggesting the London game should be easier than saints - on paper anyway and if we were to lose to London it's a double whammy.

If we can be safe by the time we meet London all the better I agree.

Wouldn't put ward there, his body doesn't need the workload of a 13 coming back.

Ward is finished, if he does play again this season he will be injured in no time, doubt he will last more than 4-5 games next year. unfortunately for him his body is not up to being a promotional RL player. we need to move him on look eleswhere.

Ward is scheduled to return next week.

Merrin at 13 all day long

This.
A team of:
1. Walker
2. Briscoe
3. Newman
4. Hurrell
5. Handley
6. Lui
7. Myler
8. Ava
9. Lunt
10. Cuthbertson
11. Ward
12. Martin
13. Merrin

14. Dwyer
15. Singleton
16. Sutcliffe
17. Donaldson

Isn’t bad for next season.
We’re probably a prop light there however the size of Merrin & Martin in the back row possibly account for some of that and the work Donaldson does and the utility value of Sutcliffe is invaluable.

We could do with a leading prop being signed for when Cuthbertson packs in. He’s been great for most of this season in my opinion and will be a gap to fill when he finishes.

Singleton still doesn’t show to me the attributes needed for a starting prop.

The halves are hit and miss at the moment. However if we can get a good pre-season into them I’m hopeful they can do what we need. Lui to move us around, Myler to support.

1. Walker
2. T/L Briscoe
3. Newman
4. Hurrell
5. Handley
6. Lui
7. Myler/New Halfback
8. Ava
9. Dwyer should get the 9 shirt but start from the bench
10. Peteru/Cuthbo/New Prop
11. Martin
12. Ward
13. Merrin
14. Lunt
15. Peteru/Cuthbo/New Prop
16. Mellor
17. Crosby
18. Sutcliffe/Donaldson if retained
19. Smith/Oledzski/Mclleland

All that with a pre season behind them and just a few additions and try and promote our young one through as much as possible. Don’t know what to make of Ablett. I don’t rate Singleton, he doesn’t look like a prop to me. But he is still contracted. Could be a strong team.

Unfortunately Ward is in last chance saloon, next season will be the last year of his contract, and I have heard that another season like last season and this season he won’t be offered another contract. It’s a shame but the lad is busted. Every thing is crossed that can be crossed in that he gets fully fit and his body can stand up to a full season of rugby, unfortunately history has a nasty habit of repeating itself and the sad fact of life is that every rugby player will not have a long career in rugby, some have to retire early let’s hope Ward does not have to call it a day.

2 to 3 additions for me. Prop. 7. A solid experienced number 9 if Lunt isnt retained who starts games well letting Dwyer impact from bench

The biggest priority going forward for me is top quality at 6 and or 7. Lui is good for right now, Myler is meh. Neither are grand final halfbacks (yes I know Myler played in 2012 thank you very much).

Top quality in those positions knit it all together and make average players around them better. When we had McGuire and Sinfield we were able to win grand finals with the likes of Kirke, Bailey, Scruton, Ablett, JJB, BJB, Lee Smith and more. Before anyone get's precious, some of those were great servants for the club, but objectively speaking are all bog standard, run of the mill, average.

Bull

Ablett , Smith and JJB were far from average