jonh wrote:
It’s a very tough situation.
We have blooded these youngsters, but now when they are starting to get the experience we need to manage them carefully.
The 2 lads we bring in are still young props. I think our rotation next year will be Mago, Ellis, Singleton and Havard.
Byrne and Partington to drop in when injuries occur.
I’d personally much prefer to see Isa at 13 with Faz and Bateman in the secondrow.
Then KPP off the bench along with Smithies and 2 of the 4 rotation props.
We could maybe do looking at it with 1 more older head upfront but looking at the bigger picture it would need some careful management as it would be a shame to take the pain they have gone through and not see the benefit in a couple of seasons time.
I 100% agree with this.
Bateman needs to be kept as right second row where has has played his whole career to a high level. I see no benefit in him playing as 13. He doesn't have the ball skills, he will be running into brick walls, he will have to tackle more. I am actually astonished people suggest it to be honest.
Do we find ourselves next year with too many youngsters on these "market value" contracts the club talks of?
Havard, Partington, Byrne - Front row
Smithies, Shorrocks, KPP - Second row
Experienced players - Singleton, Mago, Ellis, Isa, Farrell, Bateman
We are losing Clubb (Confirmed), Bullock (Rumoured / Expected) and Clarke (Expected) but also gaining Isa back into the pack in theory as he has played most of the season as Centre.
I worry we now have too many of these youngsters tied down who may not necessarily make the cut or get enough game time?