Connor will be in the squad one way or another round one, either because Miller doesn’t make it, or on the bench because of the O’Connor injury. I couldn’t have seen us carrying both of them on the bench. Agree with what others have said about miller not being the answer to gk. It’s probably up to Jack or Jake to displace something to consistently fix that.

For me, we need a recognised goal kicker in the 13. We shouldn't be using bench spots or making interchanges to cover goal kicking. This could turn out to be a problem for us. I think Connor should be starting in the centre.

[quote="Simmo71":3etku2a5]For me, we need a recognised goal kicker in the 13. We shouldn't be using bench spots or making interchanges to cover goal kicking. This could turn out to be a problem for us. I think Connor should be starting in the centre.[/quote:3etku2a5] It's certainly preferable to have your best place kicker on the field from the start but I can see that Arthur might think that is outweighed by having your best combination of talent and structure. It's not the perfect situation but I do think we have a number of strong options in positions where we've been paper thin in recent years. Ultimately a combined of injuries and form will sort things out, but I'd wager that if he plays to anywhere near his best Connor will be a regular starter for the majority of the year.

[quote="Simmo71":rorfiw5h]For me, we need a recognised goal kicker in the 13. We shouldn't be using bench spots or making interchanges to cover goal kicking. This could turn out to be a problem for us. I think Connor should be starting in the centre.[/quote:rorfiw5h] I agree that our recognised kicker should be in the 13. But if Connor was to play centre that means either Newman or Handley misses out which I doubt will happen. However if last seasons form is anything to go by the person missing out would be Newman.

I can't see Connor being picked ahead of anyone in the backline come the start of the season if everyone is fit. The above notwithstanding, with Miller being a doubt he might take his spot. Alternatively, he will have to be patient until someone is out of form such as Frawley, Sivo, Newman, Miller.

I actually think I'd prefer Connor to Miller at FB. Connor is very good at getting in that pocket and creating the overlap, as he showed for his tries on Boxing Day. Miller was way too inconsistent last year and made far too many mistakes. If he misses the first few games and Connor does well, BA will have a difficult decision to make.

[quote="Simmo71":1bxgni7m]I actually think I'd prefer Connor to Miller at FB. Connor is very good at getting in that pocket and creating the overlap, as he showed for his tries on Boxing Day. Miller was way too inconsistent last year and made far too many mistakes. If he misses the first few games and Connor does well, BA will have a difficult decision to make.[/quote:1bxgni7m] To be fair, Connor is one of the most inconsistent players going! He’ll ned to show more than a decent game in a friendly to nail down a spot

Ackers and Frawley sharing the hooking role with Connor in the halves?

[quote="christopher":2xdruzy9]To be fair, Connor is one of the most inconsistent players going! He’ll ned to show more than a decent game in a friendly to nail down a spot[/quote:2xdruzy9] In fairness we could say exactly the same about Miller and, to an extent, Frawley. Hopefully the increased competition and Arthur's gentle, ahem, criticism gets the best out of all of them.

Be good to get Jack Sinfield involved more then that would sort the kicking out for years. Maybe have a go at hooker while O’Connor is out his coolness under pressure kicking at the wakey game kind of reminded me of someone?

Not so sure on Handley at centre.... he's a winger full stop. Think this could be our achilles heal.. and Newman has to improve his performances otherwise we could struggle with strike plays. As others have said, we need a top centre and a hard running 2nd rower.. I feel optimistic for the season, but ready to be dissapointed at the same time...

Probably a year early for him, but BA spoke highly of Ben Littlewood as a second row prospect. If he and Gannon kick on we could be well covered there for years.

Littlewood has a lot of athletic ability, and with a bit more size on him he’s got a lot going for him. If he doesn’t break through this year he will next. Very handy prospect indeed.

[quote="christopher":2kh6lct6]To be fair, Connor is one of the most inconsistent players going! He’ll ned to show more than a decent game in a friendly to nail down a spot[/quote:2kh6lct6] He doesn't make anywhere near as many mistakes as Miller. Miller will be first choice FB, but I think we'd all agree that he needs to up his game from last season.

Blease confirming O'Connor likely missing till round three or four.