They manage in the NRL.

id scrap numbers correlating to positions and just put all the numbers in a hat, when a new player comes to the club/ a youth earns a squad number, they pick a number out of the hat, and thats the number they have for there entire stay at the giants. no arguments, no pride gained or lost, no tantrums because their squad number isnt 1- 13

But this is sport, and there should always be an element of competition, 1-13 are the starting shirts, and every player will, or should be striving to get one.

But there could be the opposite argument mate --"Ive got the comfort zone of being, (despite a drop in form ), the first choice in that position"

Competition should be to get on that team sheet by someone else losing form or being injured --and keeping that place as lomg as possible by consistently performing ---not by a "first 13" shirt number IMO

Rod Getting a starting shirt is usually recognition of your previous hard work, l,m not suggesting, you are an automatic choice, getting it is one thing hanging on to it is another, if 19 is outperforming 10, sure he,s in, players form as we all know will fluctuate throughout the season.
lt will be interesting to see how the players view this , next time l am in a HGSA meeting with one l will bring it up.

ps. how are you, you old dog, do you still go in the gas club? l go to Turnbridge, l will be back in UK 31st Jan, hope l see you around
Have a very nice Chritmas, and l hope we all have a good new year