When I think of loose forwards, I think of Harry Pinner, Chris Arkwright, Scully, Jason Hooper, all of whom were clever ball playing forwards, with a reasonable kicking game, not always the biggest players. Wilkin is from the same mould, IMO.

He is but the game changes. Hookers used to there to win the ball in-scrums, wingers was all thin and fast, props was all big overweight guys etc

It seems teams have started to opt for the extra prop at 13 as we have the stand off, scrumhalf and hooker that do all the ball playing and direct the team.

I prefer the scully style 13 but I think them days are on the way out for that style 13.

Or it could be that a at least two of the last four coaches had better options at 13 than him.

I'm certainly not sure he's "streets ahead" of either O'Loughlin or Sinfield, they all bring something different to the position that's for sure.

In this day and age where most positions are very much less strict and rigid, and much more interchangeable in attack, if Wilkin has the skills of an attacking loose forward he should be able to implement them at periods of the game whether playing at loose or 2nd row. We have enough 2nd rowers-cum-props/centres to cover the gaps when he does so.

We've been a bit spoilt with Scully being a fantastic out and out attacking loose who also happened to be a superb defensive forward too. There aren't many players these days in that position that can do both aspects to an equally high standard.

What I will add tho, laffrachi has played backrow most of his career so he's more of a 13 than TP was who filled that role last year.

Laffranchi IMO is ideal for this postion as he's big, fit, makes good yards and also has good hands.

I think royce will go with

Perry
Roby
TP
Sia
Wilkin
Laffranchi

Which IMO is a very good pack with a good balance. Also we will have three of clough, flannery, Lms, magennis, Dixon and flanaghan all fighting for bench spot.

Well. Until they all get injured anyway.

Perry and laffranchi are nailed on to pick up injuries.

Ha, saddened, your cover is blown! You clearly forgot to change profiles

Hargreaves, flannery, clough? They are props and plodding second rowers hardly Harry pinner reincarnated!

I seem to remember tp playing loose in his first game for saints and running wild? Can't remember who against though. We did sign him as a back rower. And sia as a centre. Meli as a winger.....

Scully? Hooper?

Neither of who have really played for 5 years or so?

Oh no! Oh no!

The Grand Final. All I can see is the Grand Final. The torrid performance by England had washed it away. But it has come back on the tide!