Cockayne v Brown

Paniu v Latus

Hallett v Heil

Keeting v Dobson

Poore v Tuimvave

Robinson v Withers

Weyman v Paea

J Walker v Beaumont

Netherton v O'Hara

Larroyer v Paterson

Costigan v Mika

Langley v Griffin

Maki v Hepi



Full back Guzdek and loose-forward Holker have also joined the squad.



Thoughts?

I think the pack looks a lot stronger, depth wise, we have versatile forwards now that can chop and change positions. Paea is a massive loss and I have doubts on Weyman but overall the pack is stronger.



Keating is a player I like and he will add a new dimension to our attack. Think he will go really well, could form a cracking partnership with Burns, only worry is our kicking game. Obviously there are worries regarding our goal kicker, think Sandy hinted it will be Burns at the recent forum, just going to have to hope for the best.

Losing Withers leaves us a bit short of pivots. Hopefully Carlile and Beharrell will kick on. I'm always nervous about ignoring the loss of players who made no or minimal contribution - there's often one, and if they're never replaced after a few years you'd end up with a very thin squad. Tbf though, if Latus counts as an out, Netherton is an in - so O'Hara - JN could be added.

Overall we've got to be pleased I think. Especially given how things looked in the aftermath of that game on Easter Monday. The pack looks very solid, so they'll hopefully set a good platform. And if (when) we get a couple of injuries we're not straight into having to throw in youngsters, simply because there's nobody else.

Done





Regarding hookers, Josh Hodgson will be our starting hooker with Carlile coming off the bench (assuming CS wants a hooker on the bench).



If we get an injury to either of these two then Costigan can do a job there.



If injuries cut deeper then Robinson is likely to come in and get a chance.



All in all, that's a pretty good balance I think.

Hall into the halves, with Burns or Keating to 9 might even be an option?



I reckon CS has given himself more and better options. They're bound to diminish as injuries hit, but I think there's a big difference on having potential in the squad and relying on it.



Lots of changes though and a tough start to the season, so hopefully the fans recognise that and give 'em some time to bed in.

I think that coincides with the injection of cash the club have had.



We'll see what he's about as a coach next year I think.

I don't really know all the players, but from what I know it looks like you have improved in defence and maybe lost a fair bit in attack.

Paterson, Mika and Paea are all hit or miss defenders with a low workrate, while Weyman, Poore and Costigan are all ferocious defenders who love to own the middle of the field.

But the real difference is Keating for Dobson. Keating will be one of your best defenders and will replace one of your worst, but he won't have anything like the same impact in attack either.

I'd say you are a two tries a game better side in defence and a 0ne or one and a half try worse side in attack.

I see your point Roopy regarding Dobson v Keating, I think a lot of people are worried on how it will work out as we have been used to know what where getting week in/week out with Dobson. In Keating I also think he has the potential to score more tries than Dobson.

I'm not sure that it is our best 1-17 since we have been in Super League but it is deffo our strongest and deepest squad. My only concern is our lack of established cover at half back. If we had one more player capable of playing in the halves then I would feel a lot more comfortable.

If we manage to keep 2 out of Burns/Keating/Hall on the pitch at any one time then I think we will take some beating come June/July time when everybody has bedded in. As has already been stated, we will have to be patient to start with due to the high turnover of players.

I think we've got the type of pack that will steam roller a lot of sides. just depends whether the hb's can unlock defences.

Tough pack, more depth, more quality. Bit worried about the kicking but we're definitely stronger. Just hope Burns & Keating combine well...& stay fit. We've lost one of our starting half-backs by the first couple of games for 5 of the last 6 seasons.