in 2003/4 our spine was full of kids but it worked out fine, it all depends on how these young players handle pressure

and how good they are too

This is the year the likes of Ward, sutcliffe, lilley, Golding,singo, Cameron smith jjr etr really need to stand up and show they are the real deal and make this side their own. Ward we already no is up to it, the others good prospects or jury still out. No excuses If this year they don't show up, the squad will need completely re building.

I for one think sutcliffe can get his confidence back we have a star.

If Singleton is a youngster, then Smith must be a baby. Ward already showed he is the real deal two seasons ago. Fair enough on Lilley and Golding, but calling everyone youngsters doesn't make it correct. Most of our so called "youngsters" are practically veterans in terms of games played.

Singleton is a youngster in prop terms Gotcha, but i do expect a lot more from him next season, he didn't step out of Kylie and JP's shadows this year as we all hoped. I still think he lacks a bit of bulk TBH, he hasn't filled out yet the way i thought he might a couple of years back.

James Graham was man of steel at Singleton's age, and played international, but had still played less games than Singleton. I get what you are saying, but I have never been a believer in the young prop thing. Either way though he isn't a "youngster", but I think to be fair to him he did step out of Kylie and JP's shadow. Smith is a youngster, and to an extent so too is Golding still.

Read the post again, were do I say youngsters, I simply say these players need to stop up.

Singleton could be the ready made replacement for Kylie. Some games last year he looked like he could do that, others he didn't.

Consistency is key for him this year, he needs to step up and deliver the performances he's capable of consistently.

Singleton can occasionally run some good lines, works well at LF and can put a big hit on.
While has done well for his age he does need to step up more this year and be more than just consistent . With Galloway out for a long spell and no idea on Baldwinson or Orymondroyd ? We need Cuthbertson, Singleton and Mullally to perform well.

I think the concern is more around the experienced players not performing that worries me.

We need a fit McGuire, Sutty and Parcell to be supporting . Especially around Cuthbertson. Our game plan has to be offloads, support play, quick ptb and good ball to our centres

Anybody expecting Mullally to step is living in on another planet - he is useless - an Aichurch clone - big imposing frame. good size - but they are both f******g useless. If hes not good enough for Wakefield & Hudds, what the hell is he going to do for us.
We`ve signed a second rate hooker, when we needed a tried & experienced head in the middle of the field, especially if you have young halfbacks.
We have a coach who can`t count past 13 - well maybe 14 or 15 occasionally and an owner who now is unwilling to put his hand in his pocket to sign some class players.
Irrespective of the standard of the other squads, the outlook for the standard of rugby that we are going to see is bleak , but I`m still bored with wall to wall football - roll on the new season !!!!

Boxing day will be an interesting indicator for next season. Golding needs to show his class and Sutcliffe, Singleton and Lilley all need to get back to their best form

Sham Parcell wasn't here as it would be good to see him go

What is the ETA of The Parcell?
I presume no unexpected arrivals turned up at HQ on Tuesday.

Next week

This looks like a very good signing and gives the squad more options. My main concern as last year is our lack of a proven game manager at half back. We need our forwards to put our half backs on the front foot and give them a chance to dominate a game. One last good season from McGuire could be the difference and Sutcliffe had to show he is able to take control at key times.

Interesting season ahead.

I don't think we have a controlling half back. to be fair lilley is the best by miles but not sure of his overall ability.
big year for sutciffe. not make or break but needs to step up

Sutcliffe seems to be a poor mans Leon Pryce to me, at the moment. For a half he doesn't involve himself in the game anywhere near as much as he should.

In all fairness Leon Pryce was a poor mans Leon Pryce.

I like Sutcliffe and I believe he has tremendous promise. But that's a fair comment.

At least he wasn't a poor man's Karl Pryce.

Jesus, what a thought.

I'm trying really hard to imagine that but all i can muster is thoughts of a 6" 5 inch 250lb lump of wood

Lump of lard surely? Wood is hard.

Of course, please pardon my over evaluation of Karl