I agree he needs more experience however I disagree Shannon is an all round better full-back, Shaul is one of the most exciting offensive off the cuff f/backs this country has seen since Tomkins imho. I think he will do even better next season after a full pre-season under his belt, it would be a tragic waste to leave him on the touch line to play an Aussie and my understanding is that is not what our club is about any-more, thankfully.

Yep, agree. His general ball-handling is my only concern. I think everything else will come together at least some with age/experience, but his passing needs extra work.

I think if their both fit to pick Shaul over McDonnell would be a mistake, Mcdonnell is by far the better FB, but that's to be expected because of his age and experience.

Shaul needs to be playing SL games because he's got everything going for him he just needs that experience to refine his game, maybe loaning him to another SL club is the answer with a recall clause to cover for injuries.

With a full SL season under his belt Shaul would be first choice FB for 2015.

Isn't this year McDonnells final year in his contract?? If so no need to resign him.

Yeah I think so, in which case it would work out perfectly.

Shaul should be ready by then and we can sign a cheap/young FB as back up.

If AP is intent on taking us forward with locality, passion and youth, then Shaul wears the number one jersey next year. He will only improve with a full year in the comp. Saying that, I do like Shannon and I thought he had a good year last season. Big call for Radders etc. to make.