Yeah, I think against Leeds he showed what he can do, just needs to be that bit more consistent for me, I reckon he can step up and cement his place. Competition between him and o'barrell can only be good for the team though!

Tomkins
Goulding
Gleeson
Carmont
Roberts
Deacon
Finch
Fielden
Leuluai
Coley
Hoffman
Tomkins
O'Loughlin

McIlorum
Lima
Farrell
Prescott

why dont you expect him to last the full season? hes only 31 years old

Because imo he wasn't fully fit in all the games he played last season, as shown by the fact he didn't kick for goal in the gf.

He will pick up injuries next year, as he is getting on, but to say he 'won't last the year' is a tad harsh. Most of the games he missed this year was due to selection more than him being injured.

Yeah, I took it to mean he won't play every game, which although I wish he could, I don't think he will. I watched the GF again yesterday, Deacon's kicking will have given the Saints nightmares.

He just has 'IT' he can read a game so well and the precision of his kicking game is phenomenal. if he can pass this on to Sam, Tommy & Joe Mellor then we will benefit.

This is such an impressive looking team - even without Pat.

The good thing is there is so much strength in depth to the squad, even more than last season. Even if there are a few injuries, as there inevitably will be, there are several other options who won't necessarily weaken the team.

Harrison Hansen may yet feature at Cardiff depending on the form and fitness of the others in this 17. Let's just hope all 3 imports hit the ground running - very confident they will under Madge and Waney.

I forgot about Hansen. TBH I'd have him coming off the bench as a prop, he makes more impact than Prescott.

Roberts
Goulding
Gleeson
Carmont
Pryce
Sam
Finch
Fielden
Tommy
Coley
Hoffman
Joel
O'Loughlin

Lima
McIlorum/Deacon
Hansen/Farrell
Prescott

Tomkins
Goulding Gleeson Carmont Charnley/Marsh
Finch Deacon
Fielden Tommy Coley
Tomkins Hansen
Lockers
--------------
Lima, Prescott, McM Hoffman/Farrell.

Not keen on players losing their place just because a new player has arrived at the club. Each player has to earn their spot. Even the likes of Hoffman for me. Charnley or Marsh deserve a shot more than Roberts, Amos has had lots more opportunities to prove himself in the past.
However, he looks head and shoulders as the best wing replacement for Pat then play him.

Depends how everyone goes during the friendlies and whether Deacon re-signs, I'll provisionally say:

FB Sam
RW Goulding
RC Gleeson
LC Carmont
LW Roberts
SO Deacon
SH Leuluai
P Fielden
H McIllorum
P Coley
SR Farrell
SR Joel
LF O'Loughlin

S Lima
S Finch
S Mossop
S Hoffman

Start with almost the same team as the grand final, then on come our signings eager to impress, boom!

I think we'll see.

1. Sam
2. Goulding
3. Gleeson
4. Carmont
5. Amos
6. Finch
7. Deacon
8. Fielden
9. Leuluai
10. Coley
11. Hoffman
12. Joel
13. O'Loughlin

McIlorum
Lima
Hansen
Prescott

Looking at the teams people are selecting looks really exciting for next year. However after certain results last year really think we need to play 4 specialist props so my team would be
Sam
Goulding
Gleeson
Carmount
Roberts/Charnley (depending who goes better in pre season)
Finch
Deacon
Fielden
Mclloram
Coley
Tompkins
Hoffman
O'Loughlin

Lima
Prescott/o'Carroll (again who shows best in pre season)
Faz
Tommy

S Tomkins
Goulding
Gleeson
Carmont
Roberts
Finch
Deacon
Fielden
Leuluai
Coley
Hansen
J Tomkins
O'loughlin

McLlorum
Lima
Prescott
Hoffman

Impact off bench from the new boys