Re: 2022 Squad Numbers : Sat Nov 13, 2021 11:10 am  

Interesting.
Only a number, but definitely a message to Briscoe and Mellor.
Sutcliffe will obviously be first choice centre with Newman.

The club must be confident with Walker's fitness.
I think that probably played some part in releasing Gale as well.
Not so reliant on Myler at FB, he's the most likely to cover HB if needed.

Re: 2022 Squad Numbers : Sat Nov 13, 2021 12:25 pm  

To be fair to the club they have tried to keep some integrity about the first 20 or so shirt numbers - no qualms relegating Briscoe for Fusitu’a or Mellor for Bentley.

I suppose even if Tetevano was going to play more prop this season you wouldn’t take 8 off Mik or 10 off Prior would you?

Re: 2022 Squad Numbers : Sat Nov 13, 2021 1:01 pm  

Usually we keep a number free if we hope to make a new signing. Do we think our recruiting us done?

Hope not.

Re: 2022 Squad Numbers : Sat Nov 13, 2021 1:13 pm  

Think we all know squad numbers don't really mean much when it comes too squad selection I'd hope Agar would pick Mellot over Bentley or Martin if Mellor was playing well and either Bentley or Martin wasn't same with Briscoe if Fusitu'a or Handley were really out of form. If you look at that squad of 32 players I think it has a really really good balance of international world class players and a mix of young up and coming players we are maybe a prop short but the likes of Thompson/ Mustapha & Donaldson can fill that 5th choice prop role just need some luck with injuries, Myler will be utility covering spine positions 1,6,7 & 9. Really looking forward too the 2022 season hopefully we have a successful campaign.

Re: 2022 Squad Numbers : Sat Nov 13, 2021 1:22 pm  

Seth wrote:

Just a number but a little disappointed Tetevano takes 13. Without adding another prop I think Smith at 13 would be a better fit in the 17 with 2 bench props to keep the intensity up when rotating.

More props - that's what we need - given that props take the ball in 30% of the time what is the clamour for even more props

Look at Saints - it the threequarters that get the ball rolling not the props

Re: 2022 Squad Numbers : Sat Nov 13, 2021 1:44 pm  

Marty Grrrrrrrrrr! wrote:

Usually we keep a number free if we hope to make a new signing. Do we think our recruiting us done?

Hope not.

I looked at that too to see if we had a spare number.
If say Thompson left the new recruit would take his number I guess.

Re: 2022 Squad Numbers : Sat Nov 13, 2021 2:43 pm  

Briscoe has a testimonial to soften the drop in numbers

Re: 2022 Squad Numbers : Sat Nov 13, 2021 2:58 pm  

Marty Grrrrrrrrrr! wrote:

Usually we keep a number free if we hope to make a new signing. Do we think our recruiting us done?

Hope not.

We do tend to leave a number free. GH said we were done for this year the other day.

Re: 2022 Squad Numbers : Sat Nov 13, 2021 4:30 pm  

Jrrhino wrote:

Think we all know squad numbers don't really mean much when it comes too squad selection I'd hope Agar would pick Mellot over Bentley or Martin if Mellor was playing well and either Bentley or Martin wasn't same with Briscoe if Fusitu'a or Handley were really out of form. If you look at that squad of 32 players I think it has a really really good balance of international world class players and a mix of young up and coming players we are maybe a prop short but the likes of Thompson/ Mustapha & Donaldson can fill that 5th choice prop role just need some luck with injuries, Myler will be utility covering spine positions 1,6,7 & 9. Really looking forward too the 2022 season hopefully we have a successful campaign.

If Thompson and Donaldson are the next in line if we get an injury in the front row - then we definitely need another prop!
I'd be very surprised if we didn't bring another in given how exposed we were when we had injuries/suspensions.

Re: 2022 Squad Numbers : Sat Nov 13, 2021 4:54 pm  

Zoo Zoo Boom wrote:

More props - that's what we need - given that props take the ball in 30% of the time what is the clamour for even more props

Look at Saints - it the threequarters that get the ball rolling not the props

Because we're 1 short from last years squad, they're more susceptible to burn out and injury and we were left short at times even with King in the squad. Tom Holroyd can be good but still only developing too.