At this risk of adding more noise to the thread...
The squad numbers are significant to a point. I've always noted that when it comes to our squad numbers, they're in line with what TS thinks his strongest (ideal) team is at that point in time - so I would put some level of importance towards them right now.
Obv the pecking order changes throughout the season through injuries and form - two years ago we had 8,9 + 10 consistently on the bench towards the end of the season, as Hill, Higham and Wood's respective form pushed them ahead of the other front rowers.
The following season Higham and Monas swapped numbers, as Higham had become the "first choice" hooker following on from his storming previous season and Mona's dip in form.
Before we signed Joel, there was a mysteriously empty hole at number 5, with Hicks being given 34. Hicks left before the start of the season, with Joel arriving and taking the conveniently vacant 5 shirt.
Bottom line - our squad numbers will tell you exactly what TS's ideal plans are (and no surprises to any of us either). Myler and Ratch are first choice halves, no more major signings, Big Roy has slipped backwards, and Penny won't get more than a few games in the cup and pre season.