What will our strongest line up be at the start of 2019 baring in mind that Burgess won’t be fit until March / April at the earliest? I’m not aware of any other injuries in the squad

I think it’s tough to decide but good to have the options.

Hardaker
Manfredi
Hankinson or Sarginson
Gildart
Davies or Marshall
Williams
Sammut
Flower
Leuluai
Clubb
Farrell
Greenwood
O’Loughlin

Hamlin or Navarette
Tautai or Bullock
Powell or Escare
Isa

I’m sure there’ll be a few different opinions on our strongest 17.

given the doom amd gloom around. thats not a bad 1st 13. if we get a couple of bolters from the new crop, then I think we'll still be there abouts at the end of the year.
the danger is if we get injuries and the kids arent ready, because the depth isnt there anymore.

Hardaker
Manfredi
Gildart
Sarginson
Davies
Williams
Sammut
Clubb
Leuluai
Flower
Greenwood
Farrell
O’loughlin

Hamlin
Navarette
Escare
Isa

Hardaker
Manfredi
Gildart
Sarginson
Davies
Williams
Leuluai
Flower
Powell
Navarette
Greenwood
Farrell
O'Loughlin

Clubb
Bullock
Isa
Escare

Wouldn't surprise me to see any of Sammut, Hankinson, Hamlin, Marshall or Tautai in the 17 for the first game - all depends on the impression they make on the new coach of course.

As I posted on the Sammut topic.

Team One

Hardaker
Manfredi
Gildart
Sarginson
Davies
Williams
Leuluai
Clubb
Powell
Flower
Farrell
Greenwood
O'Loughlin


Team two

Escare
Marshall
Hankinson
Forsythe
Burgess
Shorrocks
Sammut
Navarrette
Ganson
Tautai
Wells
Isa
Hamlin

To fit in somewhere

Bullock
Partington
Kibula
Byrne
Mullen
Paisley
Barnes
Field etc

That squad doesn't look too bad to me. I don't see any other team with that depth.

17 players in a team not 13.

Anybody can brag about squad depth if they dont care about the quality or experience of the replacements.

Is Burgess out for a spell still? I was under the impression he was back in business and looks to have been training as normal from the pre season photos.

I’d love to try one or two things in pre season, such as Manfredi at centre and run outs for the likes of Wells and Kibula but as things stand if you ask for the side I’d name if we had a game next week I’d go-

Hardaker
Manfredi Gildart Sarginson Burgess
Williams Sammut
Flower Leuluai Navarette
Greenwood Farrell Lockers

Clubb Hamlin Isa Escare

Yea I spoke to Joe Burgess on Monday and he hadn’t started running yet. He said he hopes to start running this week and expects to be back in March or April.

Who spells Leuluai at 9? Or are you anticipating him playing there for 80?

Didn’t realise. Thought I’d seen him running somewhere (probably an old photo).

Good job we’re not short.

I still think Burgess is the best bet if we're looking to transition one of the wingers to centre.

I’d anticipate him playing 80, we know he can and would it’s just wether Lammy wants him to, if not then you’ll probably see Powell come in for Escare

Zak
Davies
Sarge / Hank
Gilly
Dom
Williams
Tommy
Navarette
Powell
Flower
Faz
Greenwood
Lockers

Sammut
Clubby
Bullock / Tautai
ISA

Most likely of the sides from what i have read.

Hardaker
Manfredi Gilly Sarg Burgess
Williams Tommy
Nav Powell Flower
Greenwood Farrell
Lockers
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Escare on the bench with 2 props and SR/13.