Got my research head on now

It seems bizarre if we are signing a second row.

We have Kalepi who is an absolute beast in SR.

Batchelor for me was in excellent form and looks like he’s now ready. Same with Crowther.

We also have Ashurst. That’s at least 4 with options in Walker etc.

It’s prop that worries me.

As it stands we are going into 2021 with 3 props when we at least need 5/6.

Arona
Fifita
Aydin

For me we are in dire need of some big brute with some punch up front and a few other solid props.

A organising half
3 props
Battye

Would be perfect.

If it’s a quality second rower in his prime years from NRL it’s good I suppose but I honestly think Batch/Crowther are turning the corner and becoming good SL players and don’t want to stifle that.

Jay Pitts as well.

Damn, that’s at least 5. Looks like there could be some movement in the forwards then maybe.

Pitt’s is a strange one to me. Our right side was leaking trys in defence almost up until Pitts came out and batch came in. I personally thought Batch was putting in much more impressive displays than pits had.

No slight on Pitts as he was solid but batch has that hard of pace that allows him to poke through the line and in those last 5 games or so looked as fit as a butchers dog.

We have time in the off season and I’m sure the squad will hopefully end up more balanced come December.

Surely Crowther is a LF/stand in hooker, rather than SR.

Having 4 frontline SRs would be standard, as would having 6 Props.

They're long season and depth is needed.

I agree. You usually play 3 SR in a game anyway so need at least 4 you'd happily play with some backup too.
LF Westerman, Crowther and Walker assuming Arona is front row but I'd happily start him at 13.
SR Ashurst Tanginoa, Batch and Pitts is a string setup. I think we could do with another.
Props we do need to pick up if it's true that Kopi and Green are on their way out. I'd love Battye back. Think Tangata goes back to Halifax but I think Navarette is still with us isn't he?

I’m sure Crowther can play SR and has in the past so he’s an option giving us enough depth and quality in the SR.

It’s prop we are in dire need.

Fifita
Arona
Green
Aydin

Are with us 2021 though Green seems to be a bit injury prone and Aydin is a young lad.

Koppy - OOC
Tangata - Loan ends
Navarette - Loan ends
Gwaze - OOC
Battye - Loan ends

If we don’t get at least 2 good quality props for 2021 signed I think we will struggle down the middle like we did a lot of 2020 for yards.

Other than Battye and maybe Navarette I think we need to be looking to improve the quality in this area.

I agree about the props.

In terms SR. Yes of course Crowther can cover, as can Westerman, but they are not the 1st choice because they are more valuable at 13.

Aydin is not a prop imho, he might have played there in youth RL and according to wiki and the Trinity site he is but he is a back row all day long for me.

Unless my eyes deceive me he’s not big enough, then again neither was JT or a few others so maybe he is. It will be a while before we know that’s for sure, so I personally wouldn’t place him in the props list for now, unless he has a growth spurt.

I wouldn't be surprised if we saw Westerman used in the front row at times next season.

That’s not actually a bad call if needed with Crowther and Brad Walker good options for 13.

If we get recruitment right and if the players hit pre season in good shape (with the new added support of another physio) then we could be in for much improved year).

Oh and a Vastman I get your point on Aydin. He’s not a small lad but he’s probably more in the frame of a second row presently. He’s got plenty of time on his side though.

On the second row front, and bearing in mind were also looking at backs, maybe a centre/second row option could be a better fit. What happened to that ginger haired kid at Warrington. Didn't he cover both positions.

Also kicked goals too if I recall.

Harvey Levett ?? Been on loan at HKR I believe he’s going to Salford for next season.

Hopefully Joe Arundel (if he is still with us) will be fit again next season. The lad has had some rotten luck the past two years. When fit he’s our best centre IMO.

He certainly was a few years ago and I have a lot of time for Joe. Fully fit he’s a real asset to our squad. As you say rotten luck last couple of years

Yes, that's him. Didn't realise he'd been out on loan.

Looked a decent player not too long ago

Agree, he got his shot at Warrington and took it well, looked like he was going to be a permanent fixture, scoring tries and doing the basics well, but again sent on loan. I like to see how players have progressed who were in the England youth set up with jordan, he always looked like he was going to be a SL player, another was Toby Everett, playing part time now, we must have an abundance of talent in England.

A question: Do we know what rules we will be playing to next year yet?
In particular, I was wondering whether scrums are to make a comeback and continuation of the 6 again rule.
This will have an impact on getting the recruitment right. With fewer stoppages, big 10 minute impact props are of less value. I think maybe that's why Tanginoa is selected in the middle, for his athleticism.

I think the present rules will stay in place for as long as the dreaded lurgy is around. Lets hope not next season

James Child ???

Looked a bit like Beaker off the Muppets?

Miro

I hope the present rules stay in place full time, scrums are a waste of time let’s speed the game up as much as possible

Get rid of set restarts though. They just add more inconsistencies.

Must say I agree with you, unsure at first but grown to prefer it than scrums.