Managed to watch the 23 GF (what a game) and Palasia went really well. Played 40 straight minutes, carried a lot, didn't do anything stupid, and used the ball smartly enough to have an involvement in the moves for a couple of Mam's tries. When he came on at around 20 mins the Broncos were 8 down, and when he was subbed at around 60mins they were 16 up. I was worried he might be an eyecatching "impact forward" in the Lisone mould, but he isn't. On the evidence of the GF he'll be a starting prop, and a good one at that.

Do we think either Jenkins or Palasia will play 2nd row as Jenkins looked like a starting prop to me too. Be nice to have some strength at prop for once, particularly if Holroyd can get fit this season.

I still think we need a point of difference in the 2nd row i.e. a large hard to handle 2nd row.

Arthur said both could, but having had a little look they both seem like props to me. Could see Palasia at loose if we wanted to start big with Oledzki and Jenkins in the front row.

If everybody was fit I could see us looking like this

8. Mik
9. Ackers
10. Palasia
11. Gannon
12. McDonnell
13. Smith

14. Holroyd
15. Lisone
16. Jenkins
17. O’Connor

In the gf Wigan had 3 props on the bench. Jenkins can do some second row if required. O’Connor can cover 9 and 13 and McDonnell can shift to centre if we pick up an injury.

That is a lot bigger and more powerful starting pack and bench than we have had for a few years.

We then have sangare and TNW in reserve with Bentley and Littlewood in reserve for back row.

Didn’t know there was a literary festival on the Southstander Forum but I’m glad I dropped in.
If you carry on like this you may even get a smile from Christopher and MJM. Then again…..

Apparently Gannon has bulked up quite a bit!

I’ll do my best to bring the odd smile through the gloom of mediocrity on the paddock. Genuinely think next year should be better but top 6 will be very competitive

Good to hear , I think we should still go very gently and mainly play Bentley

No Bentley?.

Though I'd go that set up too.

Gannon / Mcdonnell/Bentley as first choice with cover from Oxonnor and Jenkins etc should be fine.
Any academy backrowers pushing up?

If Gannons main / only issue has been concussion stuff but he was still able to train then starting early on bulk up would be a great idea

Littlewood is the next second rower expected to come through.

Re Gannon,just a remark from Rob Oates on the recent podcast ,”Has Morgan been out of the gym at all this last few months,he’s huge” or words to effect!

Gill Spencer new president

Personally, I don't give two hoots about Owl's on again/off again season ticket melodrama and think it would be best if he tucked his head under his wing and roosted through 25.

Probably hankering back to the days of Tawny Smith

Boo, get off the stage…

There’s something quite eyrie about you Arthur.

The eagle eyed among us have spotted the issue. We need to stop Harpying on about the Goldens and face the Bald truth.

Fran Goldthorp will sign for the Rhinos soon you'd imagine

Maybe. Maybe not. She's signed with the Loughborough RU team, and it sounds like it's with a view to her making the squad for next year's RU world cup. Not sure she'd want to jeopardise that by playing more games.

So maybe if she doesnt get picked, ... certainly need her, half the squad seem to be hanging up their boots...

He played for both whilst she was here before.

Sivo not looked good for Fiji. Granted only one game. I love how much PNG have come on in recent times.

That Nene Macdonald chap looks decent

Yeah Sivo looked slow and error ridden.

Macdonald is a very good player but left us no option with his disappearing act.