Bosc isn't going to happen, move on

The team is shaping up nicely and with the crazy gang mentality, correct fitness, luck with injuries and lots of effort we could do better than we think! Not to get carried away but I'm sure our players aims won't be to just beat the drop. I'm sure they will have the belief they could hit that 8th. Us fans shouldn't be expectant and I'm sure we will all be happy to be in the 12. Players by their nature will strive to achieve as high as possible and I think this bunch have that camaraderie to hit their short middle and end goals!

Myself I will be happy with twelve spot upwards a MM win in the sun, a win against the Rhinos and a couple of home grown managing to cement a regular place.

All in all the start of the season starts to look that little bit more exciting!!

We've not even got Annakin in the 17 who I think should be pushing for the loose forward position this season off Washbrook.

With Aiton gone I would think Washbrook will be quite an important member of the side next year.
Annikin, Trout and D Smith fighting for the same spot for me when we are at full strength.

Annakin would be in my 17

Hopefully Annakin has been told what position he will be playing in regularly to prepare himself - like others have stated 13 would be great for him as he seems to have decent hands (Catalan Away). I think he is ineffective and prop, not big enough IMO - we found this out against Wigan at home. So hopefully he plays back row.

I'd have Annakin in my 17 too, every time this kid played last season he did well. I reckon he'll be a regular and will get better and better. I'd play him at loose or in the back row, could be useful in a number of positions with his utility value to the side. It's building very nicely indeed for the season, let em write us off that'll do me nicely.

It's becoming increasingly difficult to name our starting pack and bench forwards

Anakin
Walshaw
Trout
Wildie
McShane
Anderson
Raleigh
Tautai
Ryan
Moore
Lauitiiti
Kirmond
Washbrook
D Smith

Who to leave out?

Ryan
McShane
Raleigh
Walshaw
Kirmond
Anakin

Wildie
Lauitiiti
Anderson
Moore

This would be my choice but there is no way Agar will leave out Washbrook so that's probably Walshaw who be dual reg/loaned out again for the full season.

What about D Smith, captain of the Souths U20s and tipped to play the odd 1st team game had he stayed in Australia

Also no place for Tautai ?

As others have said we're overloaded at second row and someone has to miss out. Put him at prop and Ryan drops to the backrow limiting Anakins development. Trinity could name a matchday 17 made virtually out of forwards yet only have six senior backs on their books. Not a great use of limited funds.

Toss up between Lauitiiti and Tautai. Ali shades it for me.

My starting pack would be
Raleigh
McShane
Anderson
Kirmond
Ryan
Washbrook

Wildie
Moore
Lauitiiti
Tautai / D. Smith

D. Smith / Tautai, Annakin, Walshaw, Trout all fighting for a place. good comp.

Id go with that if all fit. We have cover, which as was seen last year is vital.
I also dont think this signing would have been made if we didnt have some things in the pipeline and money available for further players, particulaly a half and maybe a utility back.