Quote ralvag="ralvag"I don't think either particularly suit the way we play...and why change that? Our attack has been outstanding this year in the main. I personally think O'Neill would suit the role best if we were to lose Smithies. In two minds about it though because he's been great at 9 also. If Smithies does leave, in an ideal world Leeming would hit the ground running and O'Neill would transition well to 13 on a more permanent basis. If we end up in games where it's an out-and-out forward battle the option is there to move one of Ellis or Thompson to 13, O'Neill into 9 due to his superb defence, and spell Leeming. Assuming Nsemba will be selected on the bench on a more consistent basis, you don't really lose anything from the prop rotation either as he can step up. The back rowers can do 80 in those games.'"

ralvagFather Ted:

We probably don't have any cap space. So many players have had their contracts renewed it's bound to affect the salary cap.


Trouble is our two highest paid players and them being two of our three marquee players haven't played for months. French has been out for a couple of months and Thompson since the Catalans game when we also lost Walters.  Although Walters has returned he was out for around 10-11 weeks Thompson still hasn't played.  That is just too much talent missing from the squad  not to have an adverse effect on performance..


If there was a shake up needed then Forber to be bench 9 instead of Leeming.  Walters right 2nd row and Junior off the bench. Maybe also Eckersley to replace Wardle for a couple of weeks so get Jake rested and fit again.


IMO our first 17-20 is the best in SL and by some distance. For that to be reflected in performance they all have to play especially our best players which they plainly have not.