Quote: rubber duckie "I would argue we haven’t lost with Bateman, him only being on loan.
His inclusion displaced Holroyd, who will be coming back matured an hungry to disprove Wire’s decision to drop him for Bateman.
Fitzgibbon fit is a greater presence than Nicholson. We still have Currie too.
And with the academy lads pushing themselves on the fringes, backrow is one area Wire really has no weaknesses.'"
Re: Bateman, I was considering the strength of the squad as 2024 ended vs the projected squad for the start of 2025. Bateman was in the former, but won't be in the latter. Hence a loss. His performances really improved over the final weeks. But I like Holroyd and hope he continues his development.
If the squad numbers are anything to go by it looks like Currie and Fitzgibbon in the 2nd row with Yates at loose forward.