Mariano style and workrate rules him out of being a prop. Leave him running at the edge defenders where he's suited best.

Correct, don't see the point in using possibly your best S/R as a prop. Being big despite what some say is not a given for being a prop, work rate and toughness is far more important.

Why use him as a battering ram? he runs good angles out on the edges and was probably our best linebreaker last year. Or if he wasn't it felt that way. No point putting him up front toiling away

I don't think there's no doubt if it came down to it with injuries Mariano could do a decent job for us at prop. When he came back into the side last season it was obvious he'd put some size on and was a real handful whenever he took the ball up, breaking tackles and always needing 2 or 3 to bring him down, both around the edges or straight down the middle. Ideally using him there would be only in an emergency and we'll hopefully be bringing in another forward.

Well I for one doubt it, I don't see Mariano as Prop material at all - no way. On the flanks he's breaking the line running at S/R'S and Centres. Running down the middle he will be running at props and will IMHO get mullered I'm afraid.

It's a shame Anakin isn't a bit bigger as he'd make a great prop, sadly he's small even for a back rower.

Exactly. If Southern could be considered for such a role,( didn't think he was 6ft to be honest more 5ft 9-10)? then if real needs must then why not Mariano at prop as last resort who is genuinely big and strong.

If Ali & Kirmond are firing at back row and Wilkes & Raleigh are injured (former second rows?) then should we seriously consider going into the loan market to a get a substandard prop? And leave Mariano either on the bench or out of the 17 when we have Walshaw that could be the second row on the bench instead? We need some flexibility in the squad with it being smaller and another prop is definately now needed to avoid this discussion becoming possible reality once we're into the season.



Who will it be now to replace James as it is believed to be British target prop that Agar is looking at according to Express? Any ideas/rumours?

Southern failed at prop. It knocked his confidence.
Raleigh and Wilkes have adapted well to the prop role but not all second row forwards can change to that role. Although props are not as unique as they used to be in the days of contested scrums, there is still as subtle difference between them and out and out second row forwards. Frankie, Ali and Danny Kirmond are all second rows forwards and damned good ones. Lets just but another prop instead!

I don't, it's not what he's best at and like I said would only be if there is injuries but I remember him taking it in on the 1st, 2nd or 3rd tackle down the middle on numerous occasions and making good yards against the oppo's props.

Occasionally he could do it but he wouldn't be my first choice - I'd probably use Trout, I know he's smaller but he's more direct and quicker to his feet. I honestly don't remember him doing it down the middle, nor would I expect him too.

Cant see it being kirke as rumoured before. Kirke and mcguire are launching whinos new kit a week saturday. I reckon some truth could of been in this before we kept amor.

What about Richard Moore on a 1/2 year deal? He didn't seem to be getting game time at Leeds and didn't feature in the play offs.

My point was, worst case scenario and if we didn't have two props to start then I'm sure we could find temporary cover.