Out for 4 months according to the T & A...Now we really look vulnerable in the forwards, let's hope we can bring in a loan deal or signing.

I don't think we look that vulnerable in the forwards
Crossley and Kirk to start
Magrin and Green on bench.
Bustin,Wilson,Wood as back up.

I think we're probably ok, as crazy as that sounds.
We still have 5 decent props in Crossley, Green, Bustin, Magrin and Kirk.

Obviously if a decent player becomes available then we should inquire, but the last thing I want the club to do is make another panic 'Lauaki' signing and end up with some dead wood on an inflated contract.

Definitely this.

Losing him is a blow but if he's fresh in April he'll be like a new signing.

Crossley, Bustin, Green, Magrin, Kirk, Wilson and Foster have it covered. Wood too if needed.

Ah, I was under the impression Magrin was more second row but if he's good to go at prop we should be ok.

He's deffo a prop Judge.

Agree with others. We're well covered for props. This is the reason why I think we will do well this year. Any teams starting 17 can beat anyone else's (particularly when you start adding 5 dual-reg players to some of the squads) but as the season wears on, and the injuries start totting up, we have quality to bring in, in every position.

Losing Peltier does mean there’s a bit more pressure on the bench props to provide that impact. Peltier is our main “impact” prop and when he holds onto the ball can be really devastating. Who takes on this job? Green or Bustin for me as they bring plenty of go forward but maybe aren’t suited for long minutes unlike Crossley and Magrin.

Seeing him in Aldi this week on 'light' duties, i.e. no pram or trolley pushing, he did not look a happy bunny... My daughter asked if she could go say Hi but I suggested he didn't look like he wanted to be bothered

I'd hate to be the first person he runs at when he's back. If he's looking that brassed off now imagine the venom he'll have in April/May? icon_smile.gificon_smile.gif

I’d personally have Bustin and Magrin on the bench. Magrin runs the ball in bloody hard, a bit like Peltier, but can play longer. Bustin provides the tackle busts/ties up more defenders. Either way Crossley and Green start for me.

Seems like a plan. I think you’re probably right about Bustin as a bench prop as he’s a bit slower in lateral defence and will be better if he’s facing opponents that are a bit more tired.

I'm not too concerned about the prop situation to be honest.

I think Bustin slots in as the cannonball instead of Peltier. We've seen at the start of last season how when he drives it in he consistently gains a raft of post-contact metres with his powerful leg drive, which is bound to attract more defenders and punch holes in the defense. His discipline is a marked improvement on Peltier's too - Ross can be a penalty machine at times.

One aspect that I think will be missed is the number of penalties he "wins" in possession, particularly ball steals which seemed a regular feature when he came off the bench last year. Doubt they are available but the stats could be interesting.

Oliver Wilson could potentially see some game time if needed.

I’d love to see him get some game time!