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.

OK How many Do saints have - not counting youngsters?

Fair point, I guess I am just overly cautious after the dreadful luck that we had with injuries last season almost saw us relegated

I guess though, like many teams throughout the season there will be players that play in the front row that are not out and out props.

Back to Leeming, I’m intrigued how he’s going to go for Leeds. Also be interesting to see whether Dwyer starts or comes on second. Also see this signing as pretty much confirmation that Dwyer will be gone after this year’s contract - Johnson and Leeming would be sufficient and there are one or two more lads coming through.

I get why you would say that but I don't think it's a done deal.

Johnson needs to prove that he is up to the challenge of being in the top two hookers by the end of the season.

Dwyer has his drawbacks for sure but last season he was one of a handful that could at least create something. I imagine he will be used off the bench to offer some off the cuff play when needed. Johnsons's first task is to get on the bench regularly, then we will likely see Dwyer leave at the end of the season.

For what it’s worth I quite like Dwyer, but I do get the criticism that he lacks distribution and structure sometimes.

There will be some decent competition for that 9 spot.

Think Leeming should go well for us, from the little I’ve seen.