How’s everyone’s team looking for next year?
Barring any injuries, our team looks very strong and stacked. I know we could make one more signing and have more departures but the team picks itself.
1. Field
2. Miski
3. Keighran
4. Wardle
5. Marshall
6. French
7. Smith
8. Havard
9. Leeming
10. Byrne
11. Walters
12. Farrell
13. Smithies

14. O’Neill
15. Ellis
16. Dupree
17. Cooper/Mago

Isa, Nsemba, Hill, Shorrocks, Chan, Eckersley, Forber, Astley, Makin, Douglas all backing up.
Still question marks over Thornley, Cust and Hampshire.

Lets get this season out the way first. If we do this now what will we do in the off season

Very happy with that in most respects, but depth in the backs is a real worry unless they think the likes of Eckersley, Douglas etc. are ready for a decent amount of first team action.

If we don't keep Hampshire, I think we'll sign somebody as cover in the backs, much in the way we did with Hampshire himself or Thornley. I just don't see the club going in to a full season with only kids yet to debut as back up.

Does Leeming start or O'Neill? Personally, I think O'Neill is the better player and i am struggling to understand the Leeming signing, especially on a 4 year deal

Suppose we need to see how it pans out

Hopefully them switching mid game will kill off teams with Leemings running game. Hopefully give the our lads extra bit of energy as well. I imagine Peet had a discussion with him and outlined what he wanted from him

I kinda agree. It does seem a bit much. But like you say, we'll have to wait and see.

Leeming is a decent player on his day but I'm also puzzled by the signing. Forber has massive potential and this could block his progress.O'Neil is fast becoming a key player for us too so don't see the need for Leeming on a 4 year deal.

Next season unless something changes we will have 4 hookers in a squad of say 36 which seems ott to me.
I’m with you regarding Forber and my worry is that when his contract expires he will be off and more than likely to Saints.
People keep suggesting that Powell is off to Leeds or Leigh but I think that he contracted up to 2024?
I just don’t understand the Leeming situation but maybe there are announcements still to be made about our hooking roster or possibly further exits from the squad e.g Smithies?

Some serious depth in our squad, I’ve never seen one with so many options.
Full Backs:
Field, French, Hampshire.

Wingers:
Miski, Marshall, French, Field, Douglas, Eckersley.

Centres:
Wardle, Keighran, Eckersley, Isa, Thornley?

Halves:
Smith, French, Hampshire, Field, Farrimond, Shorrocks?

Props:
Dupree, Thompson, Ellis, Havard, Byrne, Mago, Cooper, Walters, Chan, Eseh, Hill, Makin.

Hookers:
O’Neill, Leeming, Powell? Forber.

Second Rowers:
L. Farrell, Walters, Isa, Nsemba, Shorrocks? Beardsworth.

Loose Forward:
O’Neill, Thompson, Havard, Ellis, Powell?O. Farrell? Shorrocks?

We’ll see some exits yet and then have a better idea of where we stand. The main thing I’m happy with is that Eckersley and Douglas will move up a spot and they should make their debuts in 2024. With a young back, the main thing you want to see is that they have a strong team to come in to and plenty of protection alongside them from a big/dominant pack and it seems impossible for them not to have that.

I don’t see us having Powell, Thornley or Shorrocks next year adding to the departures we are already aware of.

I also have a feeling Hill, Eseh and possibly Chan will spend much of 2024 at either top Championship teams or mid/lower table SL teams.

Hasn’t Thornley gone to Wakefield?

Whilst I can't wait to see how the "big names" we've brought in perform, I'm really excited to see Eckersley get some games in 24. Undoubtedly Wardle or Keihgran will miss a game or two and I really hope he's gets a few hit ups.

Long term he's got all the physical attributes to be a gun player.

Exactly my thoughts Re Eckersley

Not confirmed. The Take over only confirmed yesterday so no players announced but they will be in the coming week.

Thornley, Walmsley (Fax) and McGillvray strongly rumoured to be first 3 through the door.

Do you, or anyone else, have any idea what he's like for pace? The games I've seen him in have all been in atrocious conditions, so not really a chance to put the burners on.

Sure somebody like rogues could give a better answer but it does say this on his club profile

"In his high school days, Zach was a keen sprinter and represented Oldham & Royton Harriers as well as Greater Manchester schools."

so must have a bit of toe in him.

Thanks for clarifying

There will be some departures I’m sure, but it is a strong a squad as I can recall for many a year. We will start as favourites next year you’d imagine. Keep everyone fit and we’ve a great chance of doing something special next year.

Be interesting to see what happens next year with French and Field and their respective contracts. Both up in 2024. Think there is a one year option for Field and two year option for French. No idea in whose favour it is.

You’d imagine it’s in theirs. Especially French with everything with his family and the tough time he went through. Was worried when I saw that they both run out at the end of next season, if both leave at the same time, I’d hope we already have replacements in mind just incase, unless one of, if not both of them has taken up their option and they’re waiting to confirm it.

This is the problem with anyone talking about a potential 'dynasty' (which is silly anyway in my view after one title win). French, Field and Smith are all off contract in 12 months and how that pans out will be a big factor in our fortunes over the next few years.

Not a shock, but Cust has posted a goodbye on his Instagram.

We're getting a lot right at the min, but I think it's pretty poor form that we've not announced who's leaving yet. We've rightly done videos celebrating Roby and Sam, but (to date) nothing for the lads who've played for the club in 2023.

Could they not be respecting the club they are signing fors wishes by letting them announce the signing first?

Or maybe letting the players announce it themselves ala Cust