Still think we can have a solid season, but I do worry about that right side KPP & King need to improve there positioning and defence very quickly.
Having said that we do have to many average/poor players in are squad: Powell, Singleton, Ellis, Mago, Isa, Shorrocks, King, Minski all need to be let go.
Other than French, Field & Wardle ‘our’ recruitment been bad for awhile. Way to much loyalty shown to the likes of Powell and past players like T.Clubb.
Also I do feel even though I love French & Field it may of been smarter not extending one of there contracts and using there cap for more important areas instead of a winger.
Field
French ----- Wardle Marshall
Smith ------
Cooper ------ ------
----- Farrell
Smithes
Byrne, Havard, - - - -, - - - - -
From the starting 17 that's all I'd keep for next year, discounting the younger lads in the squad.
With Cust contract expiring this year I'd take our chances and replace him with someone hopefully better. Still think he'd be better suited at 9 for me. Need a proper half next to Smith, Brodie Croft would of been great
I'd give Cooper another year think he'll go well for us, but he needs a big meter maker prop along side him ala P. Vaughan,Walmsley etc. I do think Byrne could be that prop but think he's a couple years off that yet and really should be a bench prop with Havard at this stage like Matty Lees & L.Thompson where for Saints when Amor & Walmsley started for them years ago.
Really don't see King being good enough defensively and wouldn't surprise me if Thornley replaces him when he's fit. He did take the piss out of him last season tbf at Warrington. Thankfully it's only a loan move. Need big/tall defensive centre next to French.
Need to replace Bateman & KPP with 2 quality second rowers and replace someone with Isa, either a youngster or a project player.
So yeah alot of changes are needed.
Priorities for me:-
2 Mid season signings: quality Prop & Second rower, with Mago & Miski let go somehow. (Make do with O'Neil at 9 and Thornley/King at centre)
2024: Sign new 4, 6 & 9. Plus 2 second rowers, one first teamer & one back up.