How can we improve for next year?

[catman]

With the contract extensions announced it seems like our backs will remain very stable for the next few years. We have also strengthened our forwards during the closed season so the question needs to be asked what signings can be made to strengthen the side for next year. The only possible area I believe needs attention is loose forward. Ellis is doing a good job this year but I think we should look to bring in a specialist. I don’t think we have salary cap space to bring in a Yeo or Trebarovic but I think we could look at a younger Australian option or we could even look at a Northern hemisphere signing.

[morley pie eater]

Depends how long Willie and Faz last. I can see this season being Isa's last, and maybe one more year for Liam.

Then there is the question of how Walters and Nsemba perform. Both look good, but still unproved to a certain extent.

As has been said, Ellis is wearing 13 and playing the third prop role. We've been spoiled with having Lockers, but let Partington and Shorrocks go. Maybe that signals Peet's preference for a 13, or maybe just necessity with the squad he has and the players available. I wouldn't be surprised to see a signing at loose forward in the close season.

[medlocke]

Bring back Toby King?

[fozzie58]

Bring back Toby King?

I was thinking the same thing..

[Jonathon Kerr (JK)]

I honestly believe that Brad O’Neill will make the switch to loose. Personal opinion is that it depends on how quickly Forber develops into a regular first team player.

[lucky 13]

I think another back row option or even two maybe.
Starting in the backs Eckersley, Douglas, Farimond give good cover and as a team and individually as players you would hope they kick on to claim a starting shirts at a point. We are also lucky to have other cover in Bevan and Keighran so don't see the need for anything there. Keighran is still finding his feet same as the team after WCC.
Onto the pack Obviously don't think we have issues at prop though keeping all happy is maybe the task, I could see one or maybe two leaving if Hill continues his form and Esseh is going to be as good as I'm being told.
ISA is not getting younger and neither is Faz, though I don't think you can lose both together at a point, also both look like a shining example of how you behave as a professional rugby athlete. Walters and Jnr give us cover and I would throw Chan in as that wild card. Walters and Jnr give us real size and running threat in the channel which will help our halves massively.
I suppose the 13 shirt is another area though Ellis was in the top three forwards over the start of the season for me with O'Neil and Thompson.
I also think he's got more natural hands than Smithies so he could well stay there and develop.
The 13 shirt spills over to the nine spot for me with Forber being another player if he kicks on with Leeming. O'neil is becoming a machine and like for like with Smithies in D with the added bonus of a real passing game.
Without getting carried away with very few if any tweaks we will definitely be up there you imagine next few years.

[nathan_rugby]

Second row absolutely needs to be the focus and ideally replacing Isa. But does that happen with someone aged 27-32 for experience or do we go with someone younger?

Farrell isn’t the same player but absolutely worthy of a squad position but may find himself not starting as often next year.

Hopefully Walters and Nsemba kick on and cement starting positions for themselves this season.

[Firestarter]

Cam smith and toby king would do me.Even westerman would do a job

[Fujiman]

Cam smith and toby king would do me.Even westerman would do a job

Past it and culture wise would be a disaster.
Cam Smith would be a good shout but I don't know how old he is.

[Fizz Bomb]

Cameron Smith was born in Pontefract on 7/11/1998 (sorry l don’t know what time ) so he is 25 years old this season. He is 6ft 1in and weighs 16st 7lb if anyone is interested. That is according to WIKIPEDIA and l am sorry but l can’t post a link