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.

I agree Leeming is a step up from Dwyer but across the three we have options, diversity and competition for places which is what you want.

Just reading this as read your forum infrequently but think your post neglects what parcell brought to your place and 12 months ago he was there. Leeming has nothing on parcell for me. Although all about opinions but parcell was the best 9 you've had for a very long time

I have to agree with this. Parcell was miles better than what we have now, or even combining the best bits of Dwyer and Leeming together. But there was an issue, a fall out, and the need for quota spots.

To be honest I think we would have been better keeping Lunt, and going with that for year. Corey will be miles better than Dwyer or Leeming in a short time given the right chance with the right mentor.

Leeming is a good signing, young, got 1st grade and international experience and talented.

This is what I was saying on a previous thread about having good academy prospects such as Johnson spaced with good players from other SL clubs like Leeming and then a small number of high grade quota players. We will never attract the top NRL players.

Our pack needs another prop ideally but it's looking pretty well balanced and Leeming is part of this.

Lots of people putting a lot of faith in a young player who has had one cameo appearance in first team so, the fact the club gave paid a fee for a 24 year old hooker makes me think they are not convinced he will be anywhere near first team for 2-3 years if at all. So many young prospects fail to step up, we have had plenty of false dawns with players our selves. Corey Jonson will be reserves then dual reg at a Fev for next 2 years at least.

Having seen him play from junior level, I’d say that as well as the general improvements that all young players make with experience, the only thing Corey really needs to work on is his physicality. He’s a bit light for the 1st team at the moment, but given a good period of gym work, you’ve got a very good hooker there.

Which would be a waste of a very big talent. We had the previous idiot coach who saw Smith as a prop, ruining his development, and making him start from scratch again. Let’s not ruin another, holding him back. The Leeming signing is more a panic signing for no faith in Dwyer, rather than Corey, IMO.

Totally agree. Talented youngster does not equal 1st team player let alone a good first team player.

What we need to be better at is creating the pathway into the first team to give these talented kids the opportunity to show their true potential.

Dwyer on a 1 year and Leeming on a two gives Johnson all the opportunity in the world to progress if he can show he is good enough. Quite honestly, if he can't get past Dwyer by the end of the year, the guy who tries his very hardest but is a total headless chicken, then I would be a bit concerned for Johnson tbh.

Reading between the lines I would say the Leeming signing suggests the club don’t think Johnson will make the grade. Right now Leeming is obviously the better option . Can’t believe people are underwhelmed. He has the complete package for me and British too. Leeming and Mellor are better signings than Merrin and Hurrell were imho! Taking salary into account too .
Also Dwyer is a good player . Perfect player to bring in against a tiring defense. Can see these two being the long term options now. Parcell was already talking about returning to NRL before he signed!

I reckon it’s more to the point of giving him that level of experience at Featherstone which I reckon he will spend most of the time since they’ve released King and Jones and only have Parata.