Perhaps a bit early to say but with the injury doubts in the squad what do you feel the squad could look like v Salford

Fusitua, Holroyd, Bentley, Lisone, Goudemand and Gannon all doubts. Hudson still a while away.

Millar, Olpherts, Newman, Momirovski, Handley, Croft, Frawley, Oledzki, Ackers, Sangare, Martin, McDonnell, Smith

O’Connor, Donaldson, Nicholson-Watton, Ruan.

RS seemed to indicate Fus will play round 1 so I imagine:

Miller, Fus, Newman, Momirovski, Handley
Croft, Frawley
Oledski, Ackers, Sangare
McDonnell, Martin
Smith

Holroyd, O'Connor (I think he'll be sub most weeks), TNW, Donaldson/Goudemand

Good god, we haven't kicked off yet and we're already down to Olpherts starting and Donaldson on the bench.
Hopefully, one or two of those that are doubtful might make it.

I'd be tempted to play Roberts or Smith on the wing over Olpherts.
We do need better cover for the 50% of games that Fusitua won't play.
What happened with Kershaw in the end?

Club didn't want him.

Don't forget the return of Simpson too - maybe not for just yet but he's a good prospect too and may find a wing spot here and there.

In practice I imagine Olpherts gets first dig still because he is more mature/physical, but agree I'd be tempted to use other players this year.

Even in the most chronic front row problems I don't think you'll see sangare start, he's just not that player.

To be fair Donaldson didn`t have a bad game on Sunday.
And I think Fusitua will play.

Good god we haven’t off yet and we’re writing the team off



RS has said Fus will be fit.

Fwiw id play Ned or Jack Smith over Olpherts.

Kershaw has signed for London we didn't need him weve enough cover as good as him.

Who's wrote the team off???
Pretty dramatic interpretation!

Hopefully Fus is fit, but the fact is that he misses games.
I hope the youngsters get minutes over Olpherts as cover.

And I agree with Seth, Sangare should not be starting.
The 10 minutes he can manage is probably better in the second half.
I hope we see more of Ruan and TNW.

It was a joke, hence the wink



Think we’ll see plenty of Ruan and TNW this season they look ready

Yep i would play Ned Kelly before Olpherts ,

Things are looking a little better but gee whiz we all know we are desperate in the Prop department

I agree Kershaw is not very good but is better than Olpherts .

No other team really wanted either of them

Olpherts gets in before the young kids. I’m ok with that

It will sort itself out over the season.

Sangare and Bentley are under some pressure this year. We are thin in cover for some positions but not at 9, back row or outside backs. It’s clear RS rates Simpson and Smith among others.

I don't really see the pressure on sangare tbh. I think as long as he's fit, he gets a bench slot. Bentley I agree; there'll be a lot of competition in the back row

I thought Olpherts pulled a hamstring chasing back at the end of the first half ? and I I would have Roberts way ahead of him anyhow.
O’Conner and Bentley ( if fit ) are the choices for the 14 shirt at the beginning of the season.
With the youngsters all older the competition for places this season is quite good.

I think on balance I would have him in the team because he brings so much bulk and he is an energy-sapper for the opposition.

Issues are around his skill level and discipline at times, and he could play his weight more effectively.

I think in practice that injuries will pretty much select our props this year anyway.

I just think O’Connor is Mr Utility, decent at hooker and good in the back row. His ability to cover for injury in various positions is very useful. Bentley could be similar yes. Very interested to see who RS picks at first choice for second row.

What position did Ruan play when he was on? Looks a strong lad now.

Millar,
Fusitua, Newman, Momirovski, Handley
Croft, Frawley
Oledski, Ackers, Goudemond
McDonnell, Martin
Smith

O`Connor, Sangare, Bentley, TNW

From YEP, RS, Lisone Bentley expected to play, Holroyd not ruled out yet. Gannon gad a stinger not Hia, also in contention

Think O’Connor is the perfect bench player given the current protocols. Could stick him nearly anywhere.

Sangare is unlike our other props. He offers the something different but that should be off the bench.

Ruan and TNW don’t look far, off.

Roberts has also looked good for me this preseason. I think he’s earnt a go before olpherts.

Guys I think Fus and Handley will start so Olpherts is a moot point. I doubt he will make the 17.

I can see why some are frustrated with Sangare at times, but I think we have to consider the effort he takes out of the opposition to put down. He is something of an "enforcer" too and a bit of old fashioned intimidation isn't a terrible thing.

You would think Oldeski and Holroyd are our best 2 props, but last season I didn't think they were always as effective when paired together for some reason.

I don't know whether the best combination is one of Oledski or Holroyd with one of Lisone and Sangare. You maintain a balance of fitness and impact that way. Who knows.

Ruan looks like he has more chance at prop than back row; I can't see past Gannon plus one of McDonnell, Bentley, Littlewood, Cassell, O'Connor over the next few years we look stacked. I'd like to see a medium-term combo of Gannon and McDonnell personally.

Any news from the disciplinary panel?
Sangare might cop a ban ruling him out of the Salford game.

I think that article is taking a lot of what Rohan said in the post-game a bit too literally re:players back for round 1