appologies, Thats what i would go for at the starting of the season, with regards to the friendly I would start with briggs and herbert then maybe swap with Kearny at half time

My concern is that we will have a backline which includes:

Herbert- injured last year and took a knock other day
Walker- Back from serious injury
Kearney- Bad injuries previously and suffered a little last year
Briggs- Bit of a step up physically
Ah Van- Think he was injured last season

In addition Raynor hasnt had much action and langley has got a slight groin strain. Bit risky imo

Herbert took a knock? These things happen and it was only precautionary him been taken off
Walker - gamble yes, in terms of fitness and whilst a bad brea he has come back and could provie a real bargain
Kearney - 1 bad injury as i recall, yes he got a knock last season but again, cant be helped
Briggs - possibly, possibly not
Ah Van - not picked last season by NZ Warriors as i understand

Ah Van picked up a minor injury. But was unable to get back into the side due to player who took his spot was having a great season

my point is that alot of the backline havent played 10 games on the bounce in the last couple of years and as such it is more of a gamble not having ANY cover on the bench. Whilst the players should be niggle free at the minute, they are more likely to pick up strains etc so given all of that, I think it would be a good idea having royston on the bench to give cover here and flexibility in the forwards. simply the number of scenarios he covers makes me think its better than a 4th forward on the bench when chev can easily slot in there

I'd rather risk it and go with 4 forwards on the bench tbh.

If it's just for cover in 1 game, Sibbit or Whitehead could be shifted into centres. Watching Saints last season, I reckon Potter might go with this. If Ah Van is on the wing and a centre gets injured, he can shift in and if theres a younger forward on the bench with a bit of pace (Donno, Addy etc) they can be put there. Hell, Roby was switched to wing for part of a Saints match last season.

Obviously there'll be occasions where a back may be more sensible, but overall i'm more of a fan of having a hooker, 2 props and a back rower on the bench.