He’s certainly the most skilful of the young lads who have spent time at loose forward. Hopefully the beauty of having Ellis and Mago taking first 17 spots is that the best of Smithies, Shorrocks and Partington get a spot and not all 3. You have to have guys of that age fighting tooth and nail for a first 17 spot but last season Lam made it clear they’d play and some more experienced guys would not and whilst a guy like Shorrocks (rightfully) walks away from the season saying ‘I’m chuffed I’ve played 25+ games (a comment he did make in an interview the other day), it probably isn’t the right thing for his development at this stage.

It’ll be good watching that battle for spots in the early weeks between that group of young forwards. A couple of spots between 5 or 6 lads is ideal and whilst the odd one might get miffed with time out of the side, it will help all of them far more than having a guaranteed spot just because the coach refuses to pick a couple of older players.

I think you can name any player who can improve on their performances this past two years.
The players themselves know it more than the rest of us.
Because of this I'm more optimistic than most as I expect us to win a trophy.
We have a good squad and this season will be far better than recent years, I'm convinced of that!

I would definitely like to see Shorrocks get the loose forward job as his ball handling skills are quite good and he can learn from the best in Lockers

I am yet to be convinced, obviously he has an amazing work rate and great defence, but he lacks size and pace. He seems to have reasonable ball skills, nothing exceptional.

He needs to find a position quickly and develop, which is the coaching teams job to sort out.

It all depends whether the coaching team want a third prop at loose or a ball player.

Not done anything to Impress me in games I’ve seen vs Leeds.
Not a shadow of Lockers. We were relieved when His body packed in, though sorry for the lad as terrific talisman…..

Bit harsh comparing him with Lockers after one season, mind you that in itself must be a compliment