Quote: Itchy Arsenal "I’m a bit of a lone voice but I’m slightly underwhelmed by the changes so far in 2024.
King out Keighran in. No major improvement.
KPP out Walters in. No major improvement.
To cover the exits is good but I want improvements on where we are not just to stand still.
Leeming in. Currently I don’t understand this signing.
Chan could be anything.
I totally agree about another year in our young guys but if for instance Isa is in the starting 13 most weeks then I just don’t see any real significant improvement in our forwards where I still think we are somewhat short of a really good pack. Mago has improved but from such a low bar it wasn’t particularly difficult and will anyone be surprised if he goes back to being an ineffective 15 minutes per game passenger?
I know I will sound like a moaner but when I look at the net impact I just see standing still.'"
Again, I can get where you’re coming from with all that and maybe it’s just the current run giving a feel good factor but I’m happy with how things are shaping up. A young squad means there is so much room for current players to keep improving. I think we’ll see French far more comfortable at 6 as well. A starting 4 prop rotation of Byrne, Havard, Ellis and Dupree looks strong, with Cooper to come back in and Mago, Chan and Hill in the wings. We’ve got two good hookers IMO and a nice balance between both, 2 experienced second rowers and 2 potentially top class young ones and Smithies gets better and better at 13.
There is still potential for us signing a player not on quota. We paid cash for Dupree and if they’ve got cap space and see a realistic British player, there’s no saying Danson won’t say ‘go for it’.