Have to agree with you, there are not many SL full backs what are defensively good but more tactically aware and are helped out with better defences', A FB is only as good as the defence in front of him to a large extent and until our defence improves greatly it will always be a risk choose who you play there.

I think it may be something like....

Sammut
Lynne
Collis
Hall
Riley
Miller
T.Smith
Anderson
McShane
Scruton
Kirmond
Ryan
Ashurst

Subs. Lauitiiti, Paea, Kirke, Godinet

From the press release from Webster there seems to be the view that Miller will play at 6 with Smith dictating play, rather than just a talk of Miller providing competition for places at 6/7. So Hall as a creative centre must be the option he is now looking at.

Think Ashurst is an 80 minute player who is strong in defence but also offers more in attack so will probably get the nod ahead of Washbrook and Daniel Smith. Washbrook offers little in attack and Smith is not an 80 minute forward unfortunately.

Kirke seems to be confident of getting more game time at Trinity so will probably get the first crack ahead of Simon (although smaller he seems runs the ball in extremely hard and may provide greater impact off the bench).

Good times though and exciting squad. Hope they 'gel' quickly and live up to their promise.

Owen
Riley
Hall
Collis
Lyne
Sammut/Miller
Smith
Scruton
Anderson
Kirmond
Ryan
Washbrook
McShane

Godinet
Simon/Kirke
Paea
Lauititi

Although, personally think he's planning to play Sammut at full back but for me that leaves Owen out of the team and we've just given him a bonkers three year deal, so I would at least expect Owen to be in his thirteen.

Owen on 3 year deal but getting paid what? Sammut is probably on more than Owen and is a game changer and our kicker who doesn't miss a lot. Miller is also seen as a key pivot so I don't think Owen will come ahead of Sammut.

I'm hoping he doesn't in terms of fullback but was just don't understand why we'd give him a 3 year deal unless he figured in James Webster's plans as a vital piece.

He is still second or third choice wing so not that odd getting a 3 year deal

It's called options, something we haven't had for quite a while.

exactly that's what im saying even if he isn't in the 17 he would be 1st choice replacement for the wing.so still going to play a big part this season

For what it's worth I would start with

Hall
Reilly
Lynne
Collis
Owen
Sammut
Smith
Anderson
McShane
Scruton
Ashurst
Kirmond
Smith

Godinet
Pea
Kirke
Lauatti

Reilly
Owen
Collis
Hall
Lyne
Sammut
Smith
Anderson
McShane
Scruton
Ryan
Kirmond
Kirke

Paea
Simon
Godinet
Lauititi

Riley at FB, interesting choice - could work.

Can't see Kirke getting the nod at 13 ahead of Washbrook, Ashurst or Dan Smith.

Interesting indeed, he is definitely able.

Hall
Riley
Collis
Lynne
Owen
Sammut
Smith
Scruton
McShane
Anderson
Ali
Kirmo
Washy

Godinet
Paea
Ryan
Kirke

That's a really good looking bench.

Matty Ashurst will be one of your first choice 2nd rowers , can play centre as well ..always gives %100

Don't know what the line up will be but I am excited by the possibilities.

Kirmond and Ryan with Lauitiiti off the bench. Cant say I've ever noticed Ashurst before so cant make a judgement.

I'm just thinking that if Webbo says he doesn't want the pack to get bullied, he'll play a prop at loose to try and get on the front foot from the first whistle to let Tim Smith do his magic from early in the game.

You may be right, but I can't see the guy who won all the accolades last season or the captain getting dropped

Quote ="Mable_Syrup"I'm just thinking that if Webbo says he doesn't want the pack to get bullied, he'll play a prop at loose to try and get on the front foot from the first whistle to let Tim Smith do his magic from early in the game.'" I know what you mean but if that's the case then surely young 17 stone 6ft 2" tall Dan Smith who is more mobile and has better hands than Kirke should be ahead of him? Played at 13 in Aus apparently? https://au.sports.yahoo.com/league/play ... iel-smith/ Also don't know much about Ashurst but understand he's an 80 minute player who is strong defensively, also has size and strength at 6 ft 1 " tall and 15 1/2 stones, could he play in Washbrooks role? Plenty of options.

Quote ="Mable_Syrup"I'm just thinking that if Webbo says he doesn't want the pack to get bullied, he'll play a prop at loose to try and get on the front foot from the first whistle to let Tim Smith do his magic from early in the game.'" I know what you mean but if that's the case then surely young 17 stone 6ft 2" tall Dan Smith who is more mobile and has better hands than Kirke should be ahead of him? Played at 13 in Aus apparently? https://au.sports.yahoo.com/league/play ... iel-smith/ Also don't know much about Ashurst but understand he's an 80 minute player who is strong defensively, also has size and strength at 6 ft 1 " tall and 15 1/2 stones, could he play in Washbrooks role? Plenty of options.

Lynn and owen side looks very weak defensively.

I wouldn't put them together for that reason.

Lyne was better with Riley as he obviously gave him confidence.
Owen is no mug and more a positional thing than a strength in tackle, though he isn't the best.

I always felt Owen was worth points as an attacker but would cost you some the other way. Depends how that balance works.

Ryan had major surgery on his shoulder and according to Wakey Express last Friday he is in training / rehab, no contact yet. So with the cover we have in the pack I do not think we need to rush him back. I would like to see players rewarded for strong performances in the pre season games, so if Anakin rips it up in pre season games and Washbrook / Ashurst / Smith are of the pace then Anakin should get the shirt. In the past there was no reward for a good pre season. From what I saw last season I am looking forward to seeing Dan Smith, think he could really make a big impression this season.

It'll be good to get some publicity via SLTV/Youtube/Facebook as Tigers have done recently with Junior Moors and Ben Roberts on our new signings especially Lopini Paea, Mikael Simon, Ian Kirke and Matty Ashurst which gives us a sizeable forward pack for the coming season. Think St. Helens did similar at the start of last season with Amor, Masoe etc...

Might help boost season ticket sales...