Smith would be my bet ahead of Charnley or Bowen.

As for the team I really fancy George Williams to push through next year possibly as an interchange hooker. I'd still like to see us sign a left winger but I don't think we'll see it. I'd hazard a guess we'll start with Gelling and Thornley as left centre and wing.

Something along the lines of-

Bowen
Charnley, Goulding, Gelling, Thornley,
Green, Smith,
Flower, McIlorum, Taylor,
Hansen, Farrell, Lockers.

Subs- Crosby, Dudson, Pettybourne, Williams.

I think it's a four way fight for the #5 shirt. Gelling, Thornley, Burgess and Manfredi. They'll all get their chance, but knowing Wane and Bitcon pre season training, dedication and application will mean a lot.
It'll be interesting to see who goes on the pre-season "jolly" to Florida.

I think there'll also be a four way comp for the centre positions, Goulding, Thornley, Gelling and Sarginson. One kid I'm hoping to get a couple of games next season is Oliver Gildart, still only 18 but oozes class.

Only just turned 17 in August, youngest in the cohort

Yes I meant 17, my error. Even more reason to see what a class act he is.

One of my major dissapointments from the u19's GF was that Gildart didn't see much ball. I was really looking forward to seeing what he could do.

Very young at 17 but I see no reason why they couldn't get him a game or two at some point.

Think we will be something like:

1. Bowen
2. Charnley
3. Goulding
4. Thornley
5. Burgess/Manfredi/Gelling
6. Green
7. Smith
8. Flower
9. McIlorum
10. Taylor
11. Hansen
12. Farrell
13. O'Loughlin

14. Pettybourne/Clubb
15. Dudson
16. Tomkins/Hampshire/Sarginson
17. Hopkins/Crosby

Sponsor who knows, whoever bids the highest!

Or can knock up a company logo using Word Art like the GF ones did.

I was watching the Aussie Grand Final again. before the game they had a parade of player who are retiring. And what a line up. Two in particular caught my eye were Matt Cooper and Scott Prince. These two would grace any SL side.
Lets face it we need some stars in SL
Surely we have the clout to be able to persuade Cooper to try his hand over here.
Also noted matt Bowen limped onto the parade. are we sure his knees are up to it???

Bowen
Burgess/Manfredi/Thornley/Gelling/New Signing
Thornley/Gelling
Goulding
Charnley
Green
Smith
Powell
Mcllorum
Flower
Hansen
Farrell
O'Loughlin

Tomkins/Powell/Williams/Hampshire/Sarginson
Taylor
Dudson/Crosby/Hopkins
Pettybourne/Hughes/Clubb

Bowen,
Charnley, Goulding, Thornley, Burgess.
Green, Smith,
Dudson, McIlorum, A Powell,
Pettybourne, Hansen,
O'Loughlin.

Backs, Gelling, Manfredi, Hampshire, Williams, Tierney.
Forwards, Flower, Taylor, Crosby, L Farrell, Greenwood, Hopkins, C Farrell.

I think Thornley will get the 4 shirt next year. Gelling is not a left sided player but right IMO. No announcement re Sarginson or Clubb so not mentioned them.
No sight not sound of Lauaki so not included him either.
Connor Farrell will get an inclusion from me but maybe out on DR.
That's unless we get a return to U 21s which would change our reserve options.
Also I do feel that Faz will be behind Pettybourne as SW will again go for experience and size. I also think Faz maybe better suited to impact from the bench for a season due to his pace and elusiveness.
We need quality half backs and to me it is imperitive Williams remains a seven.
Too many 7s are drafted into 9s too early in their careers hence the dearth of quality 7s in the British game.

Wire about to sign a deal with Emirates for shirt and stadium if sources are to be believed. Can we attract something similar?

Emirates are already involved there.
They have posters along the back of the stands.

I may be wrong and I have no grounding for thinking this but I still think we will make 1 more quality signing.

Thornley for me has won the right to play centre, and whilst I worry about his confidence I think he will come back next season physically much stronger and more powerful.

Andy Powell I very much doubt will be sitting in the sidelines. I think he will be involved from the off next year.

I agree with others I think Williams will play a bit more hooker next year.

Wing is a tough one, we have quality coming through but could do with a short term replacement for Pat, but with Charnley possibly an NRL target for 2015 we could look for a player with fewer miles on the clock.

I would happily take advantage of the New Zealand Warriors link and take one if their wingmen. They seem to be able to churn young powerhouse outside backs out at will. Sending one our way for a few seasons would give the partnership credibility as a partnership rather than using Wigan as a feeder team.

A Powell and Dudson starting with Farrell on the bench.

Did you hit the ale too hard after Saturday?

Faz had a sensational play off series and season. He's one of ours and superleagues best players.

Not saying I agree with his side but putting a player on the bench doesn't mean he's worse than the players who start. For example I wouldn't be averse to Flower starting in the back row with Farrell coming off the bench against the bigger packs. Flower softens them up then Farrell hits the gaps they're too tired to cover after 20 mins or so. Just a thought....