looking through our new arrivals/departures for next season trying to pick our best 17 (although pending further signings!!) heres what i come up with:
1) Patten
2) Broughton
3) Nero
4) Henry
5) Gibson
6) Holdsworth
7) M Smith (although id much prefer Ratchford there)
Cashmere
9) Leo-Latu
10) Jewitt
11) V. Anderson
12) Adamson ( hopefully stays injury free and shows his real potential)
13) Wild

subs:
14)Feka
15) Boyle/Sidlow
16) Ratchford ( id prefer smithy here but you know what Mcraes like)
Bailey/Gareth Owen

whats everyones views/opinions?? i know this seasons only just finished (for us) but we seem to have a real decent squad for next year and cant wait for it!!

I don't know if there are any more signings planned but based on the squad we know so far this would be my guess.

1. Luke Patten
2. Ashley Gibson
3. Mark Henry
4. Chris Nero
5. Jodie Broughton

6. Daniel Holdsworth
7. Matty Smith

8. Ray Cashmere
9. Tevita Leo-Latu
10. Ryan Boyle
11. Adam Sidlow
12. Phil Bailey
13. Stephen Wild

14. Gareth Owen
15. Rob Parker
16. Vinnie Anderson
17. Iafeta Paleaaesina

18. Stephan Ratchford
19. Luke Adamson
20. Lee Jewitt
21. Adam Neal
22. Sean Gleeson
23. Marc Sneyd

i dont see why every1 has gareth owen on the bench and ratchford in the reserves racthford has ore experience and is more of a utility player as was shown on sunday playing at fullback

This isn't neccessarily the team I'd pick, it's the team I think McRae will select. I've based it on the facts he likes two hookers, two replacement props and usually a bench full of forwards. It also gives him options of moving Bailey or Wild into the backs if we suffered an injury there.

1 Patten
2 Broughton
3 Henry
4 Nero
5 Gibson
6 Holdsworth
7 Ratchford
8 Cashmere
9 M Smith
10 Jewitt
11 Adamson
12 Anderson
13 Wild

14 Leo Latu
15 Bailey
16 Sidlow
17 Feka

looks like a strong 17 if they stay fit we will do well next year

I don't want to post on the seventeen again, not before we've finished recruiting for next season. The following I'd say are nailed on certainties:

1) Patten
2) Broughton
3)
4)
5)
6) Holdsworth
7)
Cashmere
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)

14) Feka (Please God, don't let McRae start him in the 13)
15)
16)
17)

With the exception of those named above, it's anybody's guess. Wilky and Simms obviously don't want injuries getting in the way next season with the amount of strength in depth we've recruited.

In Adamson, Broughton, Gibson, Jewitt, Neal, Owen, Ratchford and Sidlow we have the future of Salford City Reds. It concerns me they'll not get the first team rugby they'll to progress next season. Sometime in the near future, when we get a new coach, hopefully the players will come progress that final step.

paul cooke will be some were in there.......

I hope not. Besides, where would we play him?

Got more than a few handy players there so should be in the mix of things.

Still think you should change your name to Manchester Reds though...

Cheers.


Tell us why, Salford (one of very few Cities in RL) with a population of around a quarter of a million and a new stadium within that City being built by that City's Council should give up its team to a rival City, Manchester, that has no real interest in RL. Especially when the biggest broadcaster in the UK is in the throws of moving to its sports department to the place?

A few changes from the squad above....

1. Luke Patten
2. Ashley Gibson
3. Mark Henry
4. Chris Nero
5. Jodie Broughton

6. Daniel Holdsworth
7. Matty Smith

8. Ray Cashmere
9. Tevita Leo-Latu
10. Ryan Boyle
11. Luke Adamson
12. Phil Bailey
13. Stephen Wild

14. Stephan Ratchford
15. Lee Jewitt
16. Vinnie Anderson
17. Iafeta Paleaaesina

18. Gareth Owen
19. Adam Sidlow
20. Rob Parker
21. Adam Neal
22. Sean Gleeson
23. Marc Sneyd

Looks like the strongest squad we've had for a while. We look light on wingers. I guess Nero or Henry would move to wing with Gleeson or Bailey coming in to cover centre?

Also we're a bit low on experienced props - Lose Cashmere and we'll struggle i reckon. Feka can't play for long enough to replace him and it effectively leaves us with Parker (better as a 2nd row for me), Sidlow (likewise but a good prop), Neal, Jewitt and Boyle (all decent with lots of potential to improve and hopefully will kick on next year). Hopefully Smithy's right about Morley!!

I think Ratchford needs to be at least on the bench because of his versatility and potential class. I'm sure Owen will get his chances and he looks a great prospect. As first choices though i think Smith offers an option at hooker with Ratchford coming on to cover the HB position

I'd maybe start with Neal instead of Boyle and Sidlow offers more options from the bench. i.e. you wouldn't want to play Jewitt on the second row. Not a big fan of Boyle, looks lazy, but it would be a shame for Jewitt to miss out. However, as pointed previously, he doesn't make anywhere near enough yards.

still think were short on a realy good prop

Completely agree.