gulfcoast_highwayman wrote:
Let's not get cocky about this. We've just witnessed the most successful period in the club's history. Replacing the men who were instrumental in that is going to be tough. It's not just about talent. It's about building a team that works.

very true and lets not forget the man who a lot are saying leave out led us through the good days so we have to find someone of the same make up.

JJB was having a very good season before his injury.

Regarding the transition it's still early days but so far so good. McDermott seems to be handling it well so far.

I think if everyone is fit we'd be running with an Ablett/Ward/Delaney back row against teams like Saints where we wanted to start with a big middle unit (Singleton filled in because Ablett had to play centre) whereas with others we'll play Ablett/Ward/Sinfield.

In both cases that would leave Singleton as a bench prop, which would be fine - actually think he's been better off the bench or in his second spells this year and he can give a good 40-50 minutes to JP/Cuthbertson's 55-60, meaning a fourth prop is not absolutely essential and we can carry a 15 minute player like Kylie or a utility prop/2nd row like JJB or Delaney.

When we start with the bigger back row I'd see our interchange as being Sinfield, Singleton, JJB, Kylie and when Sinfield is at 13 would imagine Burrow, Singleton, JJB, Delaney. Either way JJB gets in the squad.

Of course this is in the unlikely event of everyone being fit.

Frosties- I agree with the others mate Jjb walks straight back into the 17 but imo its for Achurch i want to see Yates get minutes and IF Achurch isn't getting gametime in the BR which he isn't then he's a pointless sub.

I don't think Jjb is any smaller than Yates or Achurch. Also size is not the only requirement for playing in the midfield, you need heart and he has that by the bucket load.

For me Jjb starts at loose if fit. Achurch comes of the bench out wide as he offers something a bit different. Respect to the guy for filing in at prop which he clearly isn't.

Not sure if that's a general comment or a reply to my post but i just don't think Achurch is effective at Prop it just doesn't work i don't question his heart (ala Feather) he just can't seem to play there.
Yates imo needs games to develop at this level otherwise it'll be a pointless signing and thus far although limited minutes i don't think he's let anyone down.
Jjb takes a bench spot as a BR but should we get a an injury he can cover Prop better than Achurch can imo.
I hope and honestly think we will eventually see Sutty at 13 as an extra Pivot then Mags/Another at HB then looking further ahead 2/3yrs it will be Sutty at 13 ,Lilley at 7 and Another at 6.
What i will say though is imo Jjb hasn't got long left and i cant see him starting the 2017 season still playing but i'd be happy to be proved wrong should he be still effective.