I know it's very early but I would like our 2nd row next year to be something like -

Manu
Whiting
Washbrook

With Luauki on the bench and Burnett backing them up.

Can't see that he is playing radford at LF if he only has 4 props in the 19. Back row surely is tickle, manu and fitz with lauaki coming off the bench

Rad & Ogre to start, Dowes & yak off bench and what Jake says above, with Houghton taking last spot

Next year? What about this one first.

If Luauki is in the backrow I expect that he will get targetted alot when he is defending.

Early in the season it does make sense to have an extra prop at 13 as you tend to get very little open rugby and pitches are very soft. The problem is last year we used the same system all season and I don't see it changing this year. It would mean Fitz moving into the back row and Tickle missing out and I just don't think Agar will do that.

The problem is if Washy gets fed up and wants out we are left with nobody as there are rumours about Tickle wanting to leave and Fitz might not be here for very long. It's a short sighted view and it only puts more pressure on the halves when it comes to creativity.

We can win at Saints with this side and if we do all the plaudits should go to Agar and the players but it just seems the easy thing to do is to not play the likes of Washy and Moa.

Personally, I dont see the need for 'extra' creativity from your loose forward when we have a four pronged assault from Berro, Long, Horne and Tansey. Would much rather get more from Tansey even if that means leaving Washbrook out, have never really seen what Washbrook brings other than a show and go which worked for a season when he was unknown.

Look at the best team in the comp, Leeds. They have 1, 6, 7, 9 and 13 who can all create for them and it seems to work. I take your point but most teams will play us and think lets just stop Long and we stop Hull. Horne has been misfiring, Tansey is a great prospect but still has to fulfill his potential and Berrigan has been a bit hit and miss. Having an extra option can only be a good thing and Washy can also be used as a battering ram too. Although maybe for the first 2/3 games using Fitz at 13 might be a good option due to heavy pitches.

Whiting, Turner, Radders or re-sign G Horne

just from seeing him at the rovers game he brings more creativity and a better running game , rather than just a ram imho

I'd be more worried if/when things go wrong and Agar persists with the same tactic and team. We have scope and depth to change the dynamics of the team with the signing we've made this season . There's no excuse to plod on and pick the same 17 week in week out.. unless it's a winning team.