I wouldn't say it looks thin,it looks by and large unproven but with a lot of potential and these players have something to prove for one reason or another

I would rather have these hungry players than players that are on their swan song looking for the retirement home,think we have got a good mix of experience and youth

Definitely. Not sure what is gained by doing this after one year and the squad would have to have a half-back catastrophe to get any game time. Also seems unnecessary pressure on the player.

It was probably just part of the deal when signing Morgan Smith from us, he was a talent at school age rugby but has always had an arrogant side to his nature. From what I've seen I do think he will end up playing 9 in the future but I'm not sure he'll hit the heights expected of him.

Maybe those that work with him each day think he'll prosper in a first team environment. I like my half backs nice and arrogant, the best ones are.

Two centres and a prop short in my mind, R Evans will not improve on previous years he is what he is - injury prone and its a spot wasted, Atkins has to improve greatly to warrant his spot. With Penny I wonder whether its a preference of his to wear the number he does?

Some of these moves are related to the U23s as well, it will be interesting to see how playing resources are managed between three teams. On paper there doesn't seem quite enough bodies to cover it.

Incidentally no-one talking about Livett getting promoted to full-time, he has worked hard for two years and I doubt he will have an issue with the step up.

Well I'm excited about next season. A combination of seeing how the team gels, how the youngsters step up but also not knowing quite what to expect.

Pedants' notewraps are what they sell at posh sandwich bars, generally with avocado in them, [iraps [/iare what rugby players deserve for good performances.

He's 17, what are people expecting him to be like? Ben Currie was 17 when he broke through to the first team but he was playing second row so their is nowhere near as much pressure as telling 12 other blokes twice the size of you where to go and what to do.

Not gunna judge him for another couple of years yet because of his position.

That is the point really, the idea of the Academy is to learn how to play at first team level for three years. Unless a player has a genuine chance to play first team why move them into the first team?

With one or two exceptions Warrington have always numbered their squad (1-17) according to where they are seen playing for the forthcoming season if fit and well.
After that it's a little bit more flexible. Clearly Harrison won't play for some time

Westwood at 13 suggests we'll use him as a part time prop, with Westerman coming in at 13 when Bennie moves to prop after 20mins.
Hill and Simms replaced by Dodds and Westerman at the first interchange.

Clearly Dwyer will be in the 17, probably interchanging with Clark

TS seems to have a lot of faith in Laithwaite, and his ability to get to the right level after rehab but I think he'll be undercooked at the start of the season.

I can understand why Rhys is getting some stick here, and at the end of last year he clearly was trying to adjust to the speed of the game after a long lay off. A big year for him. He's no longer 'the new kid on the block', so time to step up in the position that he always wanted. (More injuries and he'll become a 'Wheeler').

Many of the squad numbered 20+ have gained experience from last year and that should help, but clearly even though we've spent big the squad strength doesn't appear to be what we had a few years ago.

A lot depends on TS's ability to develop the guys - particularly Westerman and Lineham (good attack, prone defensively). He's done it with some but not others (Atkins has not developed enough for me).

An experienced prop remains my big concern.
Many are at the start of their careers - King, Evans etc. If Ben plays like he did before his injuries I can see him having a regular 17 slot.

Some months ago Mike Nicholas told me he believes that Morgan Smith will be a great prospect.

I'd be very surprised if Westerman didn't start at 13. I think Westwood has been given the 13 shirt as a mark of his seniority in the squad.

Westerman on the bench would be a waste in my view.

I was thinking just that, after last season I feel we would get more out of Westwood from the bench.

Yes I can see where you're coming from, and I wouldn't be surprised to see that happen.
Certainly bennie from the bench would have impact.