Quote ="Ghost Rider"I think the conundrum here is quite simply 5 doesn't go into 4!!
We have 5 players vying for 4 oustide positions:
Hicks
Atkins
Bridge
King
Riley
So, if Riley went (who I think is a wire through-and-through) then with Bridge and Atkins as centres would mean King on the wing. However, I think Kingy is much more effective as a centre.
In all honesty, this is a squad game and what a bench we would have. But would Bridge be happy as a utility player???
That said, the position was no different with Johnson in the squad - and Bridge was still getting in the first team.
So, where does that leave Bridge? My guess is a squad player - if he is happy with that. Also, cover will be needed for the inevitable injuries.
I'm sure Tony will be trying to convince all the playes that it is a team game with more dynamic interchanges for the backs as well as the forwards!!
Hopefully as a result both Bridge and Riley will stay.
A side issue of course is that we need to let good players go to get great players in. I'm sure all will be revealed in the near future...'"
You missed off Carney so it is 6 doesn't go into 4 so 2 of them will be squad players !
which 2 I would say Bridge and Riley ,but Tony Smith will decide but I cant see Bridge especially getting in in front of Atkins or King one of them will be right centre next season ,Riley may get in in front of Carney but if fit Carney will get in if TS goes the same way he did this season mainly for his defence and positional play ,I think a lot of pre season will be trying to correct our defencive frailties