Agree with that Andy.

Also Briscoe is significantly better than Handley. That's not a criticism of Handley, it's just acknowledging how good a player Briscoe is. It's why we chose him over BJB.

Briscoe, Hall and Hardaker were superb for us last season and were a major factor in our success. Their ability to bring the ball back upfield (coupled with their notable skill and ability to score tries) gave us great momentum on each set. Which then gave both the space and extra energy for the likes of Cuthbertson to cause havoc in the opposition defences. That's something we've been sorely missing this season with both Hall & Briscoe injured and Hardaker clearly not "mentally fit" at that time.

I get your point Exeter but you could argue the case for any player being a luxury. For me, Briscoe is integral to us playing our best rugby and we built a game plan on him, Ryan and Zak bringing it out with big gains.

Your point is a good one though in terms of assessing the key members of the squad.

The list of contracts Frosties put up show that rebuilding the team with a salary cap is at least a two-season job. The squad it looks very imbalanced, with too many really average forwards, lack of proven depth in the outside backs Handley aside (especially if Sutcliffe is the primary full back option), only one genuine hooker and a bunch of halfbacks with a lot to prove. In an ideal world I'd lose some forwards, get another hooker (or at least a utility who can properly play there) and a quality halfback. If I was being brutal I'd punt Burrow because he's not a good halfback and we need to get away from the chaotic realignment that occurs when he's hooker.

One thing the recent string of results shows is that whilst returning players have made a difference, attitude matters more. Regardless of how well we may end the season, the highlights reel from this year ought to make very sobering viewing with respect to a number of players, and even moreso the coach. I agree with DHM that what the team really needs is a new coach. Sadly I think we'll survive this year, probably easily in the end, and as a result BM will be given a go at turning things round. I just can't see that being anything other than a wasted year in terms of rebuilding.