I can. At the moment he's the better all-round player.

On the other hand, if he wants out then it's not exactly a disaster. Plus it wouldn't cost us a penny if he has a release clause and triggers it.

how a season can change this time last year we was desperate for a recognised FB this year we arnt fussed if we lose one! its shauls shirt to lose imo, i wonder who will get the no 1 squad number??

I don't see why you could drop Shaul. 9 try's in 10 or something. Exciting to watch, his support play is far better than McDonnell. Unless he had a couple of stinkers or an injury I just can't see any other reason why you would start McDonnell over Shaul.

Even if McDonnell has got a get out clause and wants to exercise it he's going to have to prove his fitness before anyone would offer him another contract

Is it true he could still miss the start of the season.?

is he out for the start of pre- season?

Agreed

Full back is a difficult place to learn your trade. Shaul has only played a handful of first team games. Would you be better to use Shaul to replace Briscoe for a season or two and then move him to FB when McDonnell leaves?

This.

McDonnell is a far better all round full-back than Shaul ATM but Shaul is going to be something very good.

I don't think so. he's one of a few that can turn a game with a touch of class. Catalan, Wakefield, almost Wembley. Imo he's deserves his starting place at FB.

I can understand the McDonnell argument but Shaul has you out of your seat everytime he gets the ball in his hands. A bit like Briscoe of two seasons ago.

Would be a bonus if he walked away IMO as we can use shaul and save a wedge of cap to use elsewhere. Doubt he's going though. Did he sign a 2 or 3 year deal?

Yes completely torn hamstring, the worst kind. Tendons off the bone the works

4-6 month recovery period

When Shaul was trying to break into the scene Radders made it clear that he thought he was a great prospect, there was a HDM article if you recall about him being too old for 19s etc..
I expect Shaul will be first choice next season and expect McDonnell to have parted company, did a great job for us however Shaul is the future & fits the bill of local talent...

Still need experience and Shannon is the better all round full-back.

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.