I think Crowther and Batch are another season off being physically and technically prepared for regular Super League. But they will both go on to be good players if they continue their improvements. They're still very young. They will also not let the team down if they do play, but they probably need regular game time to keep up with their development.

Agreed the tendancy is sometimes to rush players and I dont think we need to at the moment.

I agree. He always looked knackered.

I disagree that he was knackered. He just has that open mouthed look. Like Poching used to have.
His stats were good. He doesn't miss tackles, he plays long minutes and his running lines are excellent.

I think he'll be starting with Ashurst personally.

I thought the same - he has that mouth-breathing, round shouldered style that makes him look spent - but his stats would suggest otherwise.

Him and Ashurst starting would be formidable - Ashurst was my favourite player last season, and there is no reason to think that he won't be as relentlessly efficient this year.

Just been watching the interview with Radford on twitter ( reckons wakefield will be a major threat this year) .

He also talks about how picking your strongest 17 week in and week out means they run out of steam at the end of the season when the big games come around. This is in my mind where Batchelor, annakin, crowther, jowitt type players prove invaluable. All have now got a fair bit of SL experience and can step into the team and not be a weakness despite all being nowhere near their peak yet. I expect a lot of squad rotation this season to keep everyone fresh all season.