In its simplest form, if you compare the team for 2025 c/w the team that started 2024, we have replaced Nicholson with Yates and Drinkwater with Hayes / Leyland. From what Sam Burgess has said, Russell has been brought in to give us 'options' in the second row.

The halfback situation is a bit 'wait and see' as it depends upon whether / how quickly Hayes can come back from a serious injury, but having Leyland there gives us a Plan B.

In the pack Fitzgibbon's fitness is clearly a concern. He only played in 17 out of 33 games last season (and failed to complete 2 of those), so we're going to need Holroyd et al.

Before the 2024 season started, we lost Kasiano. He's never been replaced, and we've missed not having a big interchange prop. Musgrove doesn't seem to punch his weight and whilst Yates, Philbin, Crowther and Holroyd all give 100%, our pack lacks a bit of size.

I'm not worried about our 3/4s. Lindop, Wrench and Taylor-Wray are there for backup and to put pressure on the incumbents.

In summary, I see us as being neither weaker, nor stronger, than at the start of 2024.

Maybe a little bit stronger as Lindop, Taylor-Wray, Holroyd were virtually unknown at this level.
Yates is a really good addition too.

Tend to agree, but are we strong enough? I don’t see us (or anyone) challenging Wigan based on our published squad for 2025. We’re probably in with a shout for second place but still have areas of weakness. Have other teams improved their squads more than us?

Quote: Kevin Turvey "Have other teams improved their squads more than us?'" Here's the current list of 'ins and outs' from all the teams... https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/su ... -departure

Quote: Kevin Turvey "Have other teams improved their squads more than us?'" Here's the current list of 'ins and outs' from all the teams... https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/su ... -departure

I know it’s been said a lot but we are missing a Patrick Mago type player. I’d feel a lot better if we had a bit more power upfront.

I don't think we are done with our business yet - I'd still expect to see a starting backrower added.

I think several teams will be better next year. Wigan will be outright favourites, Hull KR look stronger, Catalan look stronger, Saints can't be as bad next year surely? Wakey will be better than London and whilst Hull FC can't get any worse, I don't think they will be challenging top 6 based on their signings.

I think we need to improve just to stand still, but we still have cap space to do that I think. We're missing a great back rower and an impact prop. I'm not sure we will get the latter without some movement in the squad elsewhere.

Really hoping Lindop can kick on and be first choice centre next year, I don't think Tai is good enough to be a top 4 centre - though he is a very solid back up option.