I think he's even better in the second row, but yes sacrificing a bit of his game to keep Farrell and Tomkins on the field alongside him is probably wise.

I honestly don't think Manfredi would look out of place at test level, the kid has it all. Charnley is lucky Burgess is going, because I don't think he'd get in the side if he wasn't.

Agree with the comments about these 2. Especially Manfredi. If ever a player gets a start for the final on merit its this mon.

I've just worked out that if we win, Gildart will be the youngest player to start in a Grand Final victory (Ward was a few months younger when be came off the bench for Leeds in 2012)

Huge, huge test for Gildart on Saturday coming up against Watkins. I'm pretty sure they will throw a lot at him.

It could be make or break for us that one. I feel the hype Watkins gets is a little OTT but I still rate him as the best centre in superleague.

If Gildart can break even in that battle we'll be in a solid place.

It's a big ask. He's shown he's not short on confidence or commitment. But he'll sure need his A game next weekend.

If Manfredi continues at the rate he is progressing he will become a superstar. Gildart still has a lot to learn but looks very comfortable in the first team. For those who think him too small to play in the centres I would say this; he will fill out as he gets older and as long as he retains and improves his technical abilities he will be fine. His leg driving speed in the tackle, even against larger opponents, is mighty impressive.

Manfredi's finishing in tight situations reminds me of Ryan Hall (although with a different technique). He's so strong and determined and he's going to get better and better.

Not many players make a mug of Ryan Hall in the air like he did for his try in the Grand Final.

Does anyone think Manfredi would make a great back up/impact hooker?

I honestly think he could play any position on the field bar 6 or 7

Just hope Charnley doesn't get a wing spot on default next season. Is there anyone from the Academy likely to be pushing for a spot?

It would appear that the lesson Leeds taught us at the GF has yet to sink in as another 24 yr old is written off in our never ending rush to promote more and more kids. Sorry if that sounds harsh, but IMO this squad is plenty young enough as it is. Also, I have every confidence that Charnley can and will bounce back, given support instead of pressure.
As good as Manfredi has been this year, who is to say he won't suffer second season syndrome next year? If he does, do we cast him aside too?

Charnley needs to get his head focussed on his rugby and spend pre-season getting fit again. Losing his place in the Wigan team for a GF run-in plus not being selected for England should be a massive wake-up call to him. On his day he's up there with the best in SL and could force himself back into England contention, but we haven't seen the best of him for over 2 years.

Agreed. He's very fortunate that Burgess is moving on and should see this as a golden opportunity. Out of interest, who will play which wing?

I just think he is low on confidence and needs to run a couple of good long distance tries in. His dip in form also seems to have coincided with Sam not being in the team, whether that's coincidence or not I guess we'll find out next season.
As for the academy, I haven't seen another Burgess or Manfredi coming through the system in the last couple of years. The only one who looked anything like that was Forsyth and he has gone to play Union with Bath. There's no one more more for promoting youth, but only if they are good enough and ready.

As you say it's entirely up to Charnley now to buckle down, regain his form and place in the team.

I'd guess the wing back up will be in the shape of Gelling/Gildart/Sarginson with one moving from centre or Lewis Tierney.

Has Marshall left the club Rogues? I'm surprised by that tbh. He's obviously not Burgess/Manfredi in stature but he looked to have plenty going for him. If certainly had him backing up the first choice wingers.

Not a rumour in regards to us so I'll post it here as more of an idea for back up but I read that Joel Monaghan isn't moving to Salford and may go back to Wire on a vastly reduced wage.

I wouldn't be against him providing Wing/centre cover of we had the room. He's still got lots to offer for a year or two.

Not writing Charnley off, however his form this season has been under par. Looked a stone overweight and a million miles away from the player he was only a couple of seasons ago....and he's only 24.

By all means play him, but he needs to know his place in the team is far from assured. That goes for all players, not just him of course.

Charnley didn't warrant his place in the GF, only he can get that form back. He's another 8-10 years of top class rugby in him yet.

I think Charnley will have a really good year in 2016.

Burgess' departure could affect Josh by either making him complacent or removing "selection anxiety". The former obviously wouldn't be a good thing but perhaps the latter could. I hope he comes out fighting next season and that the coaching staff do their best to get the most out of him. Imo it isn't just down to the individual, the club needs to know what works best in combining the carrot with the stick. I get the impression SW is more stick than carrot and that won't suit every case.

Jim, I think the carrot and stick scenario has been the problem with a couple of players this last season.

Possibly. And yet others (Williams, Bateman, Manfredi) have blossomed.

Some players need a kick up the backside and others need an arm around the shoulder. As you infer Charnley is probably in the latter mould.
I hope if he stays that he given a chance in the centres as the explosive pace that he had seems to have diminished quite rapidly.

Josh has had to contend with a few injuries over the last two years. I think him being out of the England squad will give him a kick up the backside but, most importantly, a complete break from rugby. I'm sure we shall see the "old" Josh back in action next season.