We've only got 4 props with any pedigree: 1) Ava, who's clearly the pick of the bunch; 2) Cuthbo, who its fair to say is on the way out and isn't an impact prop; 3) Crosby, who's barely played for 3 years; and 4) Oledzki who, for whatever reason, couldn't buy playing time last year. (I haven't included Merrin as he's clearly out of position at prop.) Outside of this the remainder, whilst promising, have no real SL experience. This certainly doesn't instill me with confidence even if they all stay fit, and it'd be hard to judge Leeming if he struggles behind them. For me Prior would be a great addition - he was SOO last year FFS. He may not be real top notch but i) they won't come to SL anyway, and ii) you don't need to be to succeed in SL, as many have shown.

The club are wanting Holroyd to be in matchday squad this season but hes been told to lose a few pounds. Were clearly signing Prior also.

Ava, Prior (is he really a prop or another biggish slowish second rower?), Crosby, Cuthbertson, Oledzski, Holroyd (maybe Dupree) - there’s a bit of risk in there for known injury and also still a lack of whack.

Our back row looks OK especially if Ward can stay fit this year.

If Merrin does depart it’ll be interesting to see whether we go for an outright prop or an outside back to replace his spot. Depends who’s available I suppose.

Sadly too many ifs for any real positivity for 2020.
Biscuit Ward - will he play more than 10 games this season?
Sicknote Crosby - will he play at all this season?
Coach Cuthbo - coaching the women's team will be his only real contribution this season!
Homesick Merrin - flying back to Oz.
Rhinos still need a big hitting forward and a winger with power and pace.

Harsh Cuthbo was playing well second half of the season,Ward just needs some luck.Crosby must be near to resume playing,Merrin needs replacing with quality.A winger maybe on the agenda for 2021 but not season.

In truth its probably not that harsh. I do think were a better team than last year though.

As Prior isn't replacing Merrin, we can always keep an overseas quota spot open (once Martin gets his PNG passport) in case someone comes available after the start of the season. We're going to get injuries, so it keeps us flexible. I'd rather do that than waste it on somebody that is currently available. I.e. Nobody wants.

Unless Martin cant get a PNG passport so were pushing Merrin out for Prior instead????

Surely not? Prior would be a good signing, but a significant downgrade on Merrin.

Think people need to stop muddying the Merrin/Prior waters.

We were after Prior long before St George came back for Merrin. The two aren't linked.

I dont think people really do, it’s just they know GH can be economical with the truth sometimes...

That’s my understanding although you wouldn’t put it passed hetherington to announce it as replacement.

The defence rests m’lud.

You really think to go into a season with 5 props is enough? I would argue not, most teams carry 2 props on the bench so that is 4 straight away into the first team - Then there are injuries which are inevitable through the season and a reserve squad to run.