Started looking at the squad in a bit more detail re long term depth and strength...

Full backs Mathers, Cockayne, Tony

SummaryWing Fox, Cockayne, Morton, Walshaw, Cowling, Tony

SummaryCentre Collis, Mellars, Walshaw, Cowling, Tony

Summary6 / 7 John, Smith, Wood, Wildie, Moore, Kay

Summary9 Ellis, Aiton, Davey, Wood, Wildie, Tony

SummaryProp Amor, Wilkes, Raleigh, Johnson, James, Trout, Spiers

Summary2nd Row Lauitiiti, Southern, Mariano, Kirmond, Raleigh, Trout, Slater

SummaryLoose Forward Washbrook, Aiton, Southern, Annekin, Tony

Summary: I can't see past RA playing Washbrook here. With Aiton, Southerm & Tony to cover I think were fine here. Feel for Annekin as I'd love to see him get a go but just can't see how he's going to force his way into the back row or LF. Loan maybe a better development option for him...

In a nut shell I think we have a very good squad, some quality players and a great nucleus of youth. Ideally a big hard hitting prop and a good quality utility back would finish the squad of nicely.

Really can't wait for us to get going.

Come On The Trin !!!

So in summary, you advocate that every single one of our academy products is not SL standard and that they should all go out on loan?

No! I didn't say that.

IMHO I think "most" aren't good enough *yet* and I do stress the word *yet*.

The problem I foresee is how they will get any quality/real game time with the starting 17 been so strong baring injuries/loss of form etc hence my suggestion we get as many out on loan where possible. This will help give them the grounding and opportunity each one of them deserves to show they are good enough and do deserve a chance in our starting 17 other than watching other play SL every week.

The best example of how well this can work was Aaron Murphy.

Not all these players will make it or succeed but I'd like to see each of them given a fair opportunity to do so and I simply feel that most will be able to do this better away from us unfortunately given more valueable game time elsewhere.

Just out of curiosity - can you enlighten me re the young ones of ours you feel will be pushing for a place in our starting 17?

I think that is a very good summary Comeon trin.
I posted a while back my concern about lack of cover in threequarters.
We only have one true winger as you say.
Its a position where lack of real pace,sidestep,body swerve etc can cost you dear in tight matches.
Similarly in the centre.
Its ok making do for a match or two, but no proven experienced cover if Mellars or Collis are out for a while.
I too am worried as to the actual quality of so called youngsters.
If they are real class nothing would have or will keep them out.
They must really have something to start with that no ammount of coaching can put there.
But are any of them Poyntons ,Toplisses or even Geoff Wraiths and Terry Crooks in the making?
I would be really pleased if people can convince me we have real quality coming through.

And that for me is Mr Agar's job; we were assured when the recruitment process was underway that one of the key expectations of the new HC would be to bring young players through into the first team, so that's what I expect him to do. Certainly it's not easy, but we have to demonstrate confidence in some of these lads and give them a chance.

Some of SL's brightest stars throughout next season will be young kids who've been given game time in a squad that could protect and help them; if our starting 17 is as strong as you say it is, then we too should have the ability to give players like Cowling, Trout, Walshaw et al the opportunity to grow and develop. If we can't do that, we'll be stuck in the rut of recruiting overseas players every season.

mate. talk to some of the young fella's they will tell you its not in the script this year unless there are a lot of injuries. maybe next year.

They will get their chance with injuries and loss of form. Its then down to them. A few dual Reg for .. Kaye, Annekin, Spiers would be ideal for us and any NL club.

I'm with poptart, I can't see what Morton has done wrong.
He's a young lad learning the game, I think with a good run in the side playing with some better players he will shine.

I can see Cockayne or Mathers on the bench probs Cockayne with Mathers at full back,Fox Morton wings,Mellars Collis centres.It gives the option if an injury happens Mathers to centre Cockayne to full back.Cockayne to wing or centre.With the reduction in interchanges I think we will start to see the end of 15/20 mins a game props.We could be on a good thing with Wilkes,Amor,Raleigh and Johnson as Props.The only thing that worrys me is it appears Moore is not wanted and wont be given a chance.

Morton has been in SL a few years now with a fair amount of games. Last chance this year for him I think.

I would play cockayne at wing with fox.

Why last chance. He has played successfully for that time. Why would you send him away?

Also


I've heard this said a lot but does anyone have any evidence of this? Sounds like a rumour of a rumour to me on the back of someone saying it on here once.

No idea about Moore.

Morton I dont think has been bad but not good either.

I am undecided on him. He has for 3 years been part of the squad now. Yes he has played well in a few but mainly just solid. just my opinion. Maybe I expected more or too much. Either way I hope he has a good Injury free year.

I would like to think he'll step up if given the chance, Dales struggled playing in a poor side and being over exposed at times.