Quote: Stu M "They are interchageable though. Whitley or Batchelor coming on would mean Matuatia may play at prop. Knowles has moved to prop this season when Bell has come on occasionally.
The back end of the season relies on some luck too. If say Wigan lost French and Smith at the same time then that's a massive blow regardless of how well the forwards are playing. Conversely if we lose Welsby I dread to think where we would be with how he has been playing lately, he's been looking like the Welsby of old, scoring and assisting lots again.
I agree about Walmsley, I actually think the new contract we've given him may come back to bite us, he's picking up inuries quite regularly now. Paasi is a huge bonus and the continued development of Delaney. Stephens has been the surprise and may feature more than we first envisaged. Took it to Catlans and showed some great feet for a couple of breaks.'"
Just my opinion of course but I'm not a big fan of that sort of rotation. It's good to have as an option in case of in game injuries etc. but I don't think it's ideal as a first port of call. Having only one genuine prop and then rotating back rowers to make up the shortfall doesn't strike me as a title winning option. As I say, just my opinion though.
Injuries will undoubtedly play a part which is why I think your returnees only coming back at the business end could count in your favour. They can't get injured from the stands. That said, it equally could count against you in that there's an extra burden on the senior players still there and, of course, players coming back could be offset by different ones getting injured. I genuinely think this is where our advantage lies this season. We've been able to rest and rotate our pack without too much drop off. I know that's no guarantee in itself, but it's a good place to be.
