We've only got 4 props with any pedigree: 1) Ava, who's clearly the pick of the bunch; 2) Cuthbo, who its fair to say is on the way out and isn't an impact prop; 3) Crosby, who's barely played for 3 years; and 4) Oledzki who, for whatever reason, couldn't buy playing time last year. (I haven't included Merrin as he's clearly out of position at prop.) Outside of this the remainder, whilst promising, have no real SL experience. This certainly doesn't instill me with confidence even if they all stay fit, and it'd be hard to judge Leeming if he struggles behind them. For me Prior would be a great addition - he was SOO last year FFS. He may not be real top notch but i) they won't come to SL anyway, and ii) you don't need to be to succeed in SL, as many have shown.

The club are wanting Holroyd to be in matchday squad this season but hes been told to lose a few pounds. Were clearly signing Prior also.

Ava, Prior (is he really a prop or another biggish slowish second rower?), Crosby, Cuthbertson, Oledzski, Holroyd (maybe Dupree) - there’s a bit of risk in there for known injury and also still a lack of whack.

Our back row looks OK especially if Ward can stay fit this year.

If Merrin does depart it’ll be interesting to see whether we go for an outright prop or an outside back to replace his spot. Depends who’s available I suppose.

Good post

Sadly too many ifs for any real positivity for 2020.
Biscuit Ward - will he play more than 10 games this season?
Sicknote Crosby - will he play at all this season?
Coach Cuthbo - coaching the women's team will be his only real contribution this season!
Homesick Merrin - flying back to Oz.
Rhinos still need a big hitting forward and a winger with power and pace.

Harsh Cuthbo was playing well second half of the season,Ward just needs some luck.Crosby must be near to resume playing,Merrin needs replacing with quality.A winger maybe on the agenda for 2021 but not season.

In truth its probably not that harsh. I do think were a better team than last year though.

As Prior isn't replacing Merrin, we can always keep an overseas quota spot open (once Martin gets his PNG passport) in case someone comes available after the start of the season. We're going to get injuries, so it keeps us flexible. I'd rather do that than waste it on somebody that is currently available. I.e. Nobody wants.

Unless Martin cant get a PNG passport so were pushing Merrin out for Prior instead????

Surely not? Prior would be a good signing, but a significant downgrade on Merrin.

Think people need to stop muddying the Merrin/Prior waters.

We were after Prior long before St George came back for Merrin. The two aren't linked.

I dont think people really do, it’s just they know GH can be economical with the truth sometimes...

That’s my understanding although you wouldn’t put it passed hetherington to announce it as replacement.

The defence rests m’lud.

You really think to go into a season with 5 props is enough? I would argue not, most teams carry 2 props on the bench so that is 4 straight away into the first team - Then there are injuries which are inevitable through the season and a reserve squad to run.

OK How many Do saints have - not counting youngsters?

Fair point, I guess I am just overly cautious after the dreadful luck that we had with injuries last season almost saw us relegated



I guess though, like many teams throughout the season there will be players that play in the front row that are not out and out props.

Back to Leeming, I’m intrigued how he’s going to go for Leeds. Also be interesting to see whether Dwyer starts or comes on second. Also see this signing as pretty much confirmation that Dwyer will be gone after this year’s contract - Johnson and Leeming would be sufficient and there are one or two more lads coming through.

I get why you would say that but I don't think it's a done deal.

Johnson needs to prove that he is up to the challenge of being in the top two hookers by the end of the season.

Dwyer has his drawbacks for sure but last season he was one of a handful that could at least create something. I imagine he will be used off the bench to offer some off the cuff play when needed. Johnsons's first task is to get on the bench regularly, then we will likely see Dwyer leave at the end of the season.

For what it’s worth I quite like Dwyer, but I do get the criticism that he lacks distribution and structure sometimes.

There will be some decent competition for that 9 spot.

Think Leeming should go well for us, from the little I’ve seen.

I agree Leeming is a step up from Dwyer but across the three we have options, diversity and competition for places which is what you want.

Just reading this as read your forum infrequently but think your post neglects what parcell brought to your place and 12 months ago he was there. Leeming has nothing on parcell for me. Although all about opinions but parcell was the best 9 you've had for a very long time

I have to agree with this. Parcell was miles better than what we have now, or even combining the best bits of Dwyer and Leeming together. But there was an issue, a fall out, and the need for quota spots.

To be honest I think we would have been better keeping Lunt, and going with that for year. Corey will be miles better than Dwyer or Leeming in a short time given the right chance with the right mentor.

Leeming is a good signing, young, got 1st grade and international experience and talented.

This is what I was saying on a previous thread about having good academy prospects such as Johnson spaced with good players from other SL clubs like Leeming and then a small number of high grade quota players. We will never attract the top NRL players.

Our pack needs another prop ideally but it's looking pretty well balanced and Leeming is part of this.

Lots of people putting a lot of faith in a young player who has had one cameo appearance in first team so, the fact the club gave paid a fee for a 24 year old hooker makes me think they are not convinced he will be anywhere near first team for 2-3 years if at all. So many young prospects fail to step up, we have had plenty of false dawns with players our selves. Corey Jonson will be reserves then dual reg at a Fev for next 2 years at least.