Squad numbers now mean nothing.

Hastings was number 31 for both Salford and Wigan while Sam Tomkins has been 29 with Catalan.

Perhaps, a reason why the Aussies have abandoned the idea!.

The only reason they do it is commercial. Some fans, especially the younger ones like to have a players name name AND number on their shirt. It's a copy from football really, but as you say squad numbers don't mean anything as far as team selection goes.

It looks like a well balanced group but obviously a few unknowns within the team.

If Mago & Ellis go well then we could be in for a very good year and certainly a significant improvement on what we saw last season.

One area I would of liked to see us strengthen would have been the inclusion of a top goal kicker but I’m hopeful that Briers may be able to improve us.

Like others have said I don’t think it’s worth analysing squad numbers, I’m confident that Peet will just choose the players he thinks are able to win the game.

Quietly confident of significant progress.

I find it useful for knowing who is who to be honest, especially for the opposition, who I may be less familiar with.

I've never thought of thought of it that way, but you're correct.

You are right about it being commercial, but how many now bother with less well known International players in our squad.

Especially with what they charge for putting a name and number on a one season shirt?

Bibby is a better winger than centre. (Although he does have his flaws in the air and flying out of defence).

Blatantly obvious to anyone who watches and understands rugby.

Wrong

I don’t understand the analysis of squad numbers.

They mean nothing.

There is still a loose connection to positions but we all know performance gets you the shirt not the number on the back of the shirt.

Bateman gets the 13 shirt as a mark of respect but he isn’t a 13.

I fully expect to see Bibby play in the centres next year and the competition in the squad and different combinations we can play at centre or in the pack should hopefully drive on competition and improve performance.

hes not

Is he?*


*My contender for shortest post award.

Bibby and Isa may end up at centre if Hardacre leaves and Thornley does not fill Gildarts boots!



Isa especially, if Bateman and Farrell are the regular second row!



Be prepared!

No

!

Hardaker is all over our new kit promotions, so i reckon that's a good indication that he is commited to next season.

I would say bibby getting the 2 shirt is more a show of respect for a play who has been here a couple seasons now and had a solid season last time around, rather then an indication of playing position.

I think with the way its looking re. french and his prep for the season, we will see hardaker starting at fullback, bibby in centre and miski starting on the wing, Could work out well giving us a chance to assess who is looking better off the rip between thornley / bibby and how miski holds up at SL level (from what i have seen of him i think he has all the right attributes). Then as we get french ready to join the side, move hardaker back to centre and fit the best performers in around that.