Really hard to say Tad: we went through a period of forwards graduating (Smith, Oledski, Holroyd, Walters, Gannon, O’Connor) who are all at first grade level. Corey Johnson 50/50 too.

Newman has come through but injury prone. Other than that nobody has stuck in the back line for a very long time.

I think that might change and we have a raft of backs coming through. Edgell and Lumb already on the fringe, Simpson could make the grade if recovered, then Webster, Frater, Smith, Qareqare, the McCormack brothers are all good prospects. Sinfield there or thereabouts too or course.

let's hope then.
cheers jim

Jim / Matt

Any thought on Presley Cassell?

I guess it’s now or never for some of these players.

Thank you very much.

Not seen enough of him myself - Matts is the real expert.

Pressley Cassell is outstanding, he's got everything you could want in a modern 13:

Big
Skillful
Athletic
Intelligent
Tough
Leadership

I would put him right up there with Gannon at the same stage of their careers

It‘a true we do have a very strong crop of young players coming through currently. I know some complained about letting Tchambe go, but that tells you something about how confident the club are in other wingers in the system.

As soon as we fix the first team we have a trickle feed of quality coming through.

I’m still not sure whether Gannon will end up at prop or 13 rather than second row.

Marcus Qare Qare, Ned McCormack, Ben Littlewood training with the first team this pre season. There is a few more too but I’m unsure who they are, maybe Jack Iceton

Frosties , do you know what position Jack Iceton plays ? Cheers

I don't believe someone under the age of 50 is called Ned.

I don’t, however I know he crossed over from the Bulls academy mid season so we must of seen something there.

Also, Leo Aliyu has signed a professional deal and will have a squad number for the new season I believe

Leo is quite athletic isn’t he? bit like AJ Wallace was.

Really could do with a couple of lads developing and making first grade over the next couple of years.

Squad numbers will be good to see - wonder if Kershaw will be announced same time.

I was impressed with Lumb when I saw him play v Wigan in the academy and reserves games.

Just a note, watch out for Jack Farrimond from Wigan, he will be 2nd year academy in 2024 but I think he'll also get a 1st team squad number. Not wishing to hex him but he's as good at this age as Edwards and Tomkins IMO..

Good news is that Ben Littlewood, Marcus Qare Qare, Riley Lumb, Jack Smith, Leo Aliyu, Jack Iceton, Ned McCormack are still part of the first team training set up.

I hope that you do far better with this prediction than your last one Brian 2.60107421875:5