Squad numbers

Quote: Mrs Barista "Having banged on about the prop situation last year I think it's good that we now have, based on these squad numbers Satae and Sao starting and Evans and Tag on the bench, with Brown, Fash, Bowden back up, plus Burrell. Can't imagine that Taylor's pride isn't hurt though, gone from VC to losing his starting number - but hopefully this will be motivation. He looks in good condition pre season and would almost be like a new signing.

When you look down the squad list though it does emphasise our lack of quality depth. Wing is a concern. McIntosh has number 5 but is a way off yet, isn't he? I read Shaul is going to compete for a wing spot but I'm not sure Swift, McIntosh and Shaul is a strong enough group.

I like that Jordan Lane has been promoted numberwise, reward for a very good season last year, and the spine looks OK albeit high risk injury wise. I'm hoping Lovodua brings something different.

In reality I think it will be another disrupted season with Covid variant transmission rates. Maybe they should just say to clubs all fixtures stand and you just have to use the academy and get a salary cap waiver or something.'"

Agree with pretty much all of this.

Taylor looks in great shape and I'm really excited to see what Lovodua can bring to the team.

I think we should be OK for wing cover. We have Swift, Mcintosh, Shaul, Mitch, Wynne and at a push Scott.

I still think we're short a middle. Unless Bowden has a wow of a season I think we'll struggle if we pick up too many knocks.

We're asking for trouble going into the season with only McNamara and Hookem as our reserve halves. Especially when you consider Reynolds and Gales recent injury issues.

If we can have a decent season injury wise we'll go okay. Which is probably what every other team is saying