@royston-vasey but the thing is are any of them better than Fleming and Roby ?
@ditton-donkey if Tyler can’t player we still have Tryer and perhaps even, at a push, Tyrer ?
Sorry, couldn’t help myself, autocorrect just makes me laugh 😊😊
Everyone loves a Tryer!!
Much better season needed compared to the poor one last year, that's the first thing to be said.
Will Smith or Lyons start at SH? For me I liked Smith at 13 and that coincided with some better performances and results but signing Brown would suggest to me he will start 13.
If Fozard stays fit and rotates well with Gregory and Hulme that will go a long way to improve things IMO.
The new ‘Fresh Prince of Hale Bank’?
Smith needs to be the 7. Brown or Baker at 13.
Be interesting to see how Gregory and Hulme are utilised. Presumably we will carry one of them on the bench each week.
We've got a lot more depth and options than last season.
I am seeing progress each season and especially after administration, I think we are slowly improving overall. The squad is definitely stronger than last year as we have many utility players and options in every position. The only place I wanted strengthening if I was picky is at prop, but it seems covered if think about it. Grady and Baker can play prop if injuries occur to our specialists Farnworth, Tilleke, Dupree and Nzogi. Feel the passion Pascal does. 👌👍
So after batley are the starting centres for London Fleming and edge ? Assuming both tyrer and spending are not yet fit - assume sledding will be available in a couple of weeks
owens,Brookes,Fleming,edge/spending,Ince,craven,smith, for the backs
looks like baker,Fozard,farnworth,Wilde/Grady,Lawton,?
The mad French man loved it yesterday and I like the passion from the team. Possibly Browny at 13 and Ditton Donkey I think of Benty too. Otherwise near enough bang on for your team.
Having watched the friendly which all be it is only 1 showing, I expect Wilde, Davies and Brown to be our first choice backrow. All looked good and improve our team. I expect Dupree to be 1 of our 4 props each week and I think Bent is a likely first choice 17 forward too. All 5 did very well in the friendly with MOM out of Dupree, Wilde and Davies for me. Davies was probably the biggest suprise. I also expect Fleming and Holroyd to be in our best 17. Our pack looked bigger and when you add Levy and Lawton it will have decent size. Fozzard is the key signing though and will make a massive difference.
I expect Hulme, Gregory and Lyons to rotate for the sub Hooker spot. Lawton, Grady, Bent and Nzoungou to take 2 of the other bench spots with Dupree. Dont expect us to run with a back on the bench much. Spedding and Brookes to push the 2 wingers for starting spots.
My best 17 from 1 viewing:
Owens
Holroyd
Tyrer
Fleming
Ince
Craven
Smith
Farnworth
Fozzard
Baker
Wilde
Davies
Brown
Subs
Dupree
Lawton/Grady
Bent
Hulme/Gregory/Lyons
Leaving
Grady
Gregory
Lyons
Nzoungou
Spedding
Brookes
Tilleke
Edge
Roby
Tyrer and Nzoungou definitely out. Sounds like Spedding not yet right either. So expect I expect Edge to be the only difference to the starting 17 for London. Lawton, Grady and Gregory also missed Batley. Not sure where all 3 are up too. I expect 1 of Grady/Lawton to make it and be the 2nd bench prop and Hulme or Lyons to get the nod as the last sub with Gregory not playing yet.
Much stronger squad. Think Finnegan would like 28 v 26 and id say 1 more prop is probably what is needed.
Thought Tilleke and Roby did well in the friendly too and will be pushing for them bench spots.
DLM
Thanks for your helpful comments, DLM - I wasn't able to attend the Batley game and appreciate your views and suggested matchday 17.
Certainly Finnegan has some hard decisions to make, quite a change from last season when he had few bodies to choose from.
I was surprised that Grady was given the No. 10 shirt, he must have had a great pre-season, but where will he play: is Baker now considered a prop; with Lawton playing so well towards the end of last season it is hard not to see him in the 17; Brookes, does he deserve to keep a wing slot; will Nzoungou gain fitness and be considered; Tilleke played well last year, will he though lose his squad place etc etc.
There are so many permutations causing Finnegan selection problems.
I am really looking forward to this season, think we are going to finish higher than people give us credit for.
After watching Sunday, just thawed out!! I think Baker will start at prop with Farnworth against London as Brown played well and adds something at loose imo, Davies will probably start with Wilde but may be usurped by Lawton when fit
Expect it to be Edge and Fleming in the centres with Tyrer replacing Edge when he’s fit again but not sure Spedding will push Fleming out
The wings are interesting, thought Holroyd looked lively but didn’t make much impact and Ince made a couple mistakes for me Brookes is the first pick
Subs will probably be Lyons, Dupree, Grady and Bent
But as has been said by many it’s a world of choice for SF
Yes it looks like Brookes will be first choice winger and agree Fleming will take some shifting
is Lawton fit, if so for me straight in starting line up
bring the passion on
I wouldn't have signed Ince,personally.Two reasons.He walked out of the club just for being dropped, which was unprofessional.And secondly, he ain't all that much, anyway.
I agree sinbad. Threw his toys out the pram and hasn’t shown much since leaving
Team full of passion and top 4 for me, especially as there is so many options this season. Pascal can't wait and is fired up. 👍 Difficult to pick a team and good luck to Mr Finnigan
- I would give Brookes a starting spot ahead of Holroyd going on his performances from last season. Baker IMO should only be a starting prop as a last resort, another prop signing is a must if we can get one in.