Hopefully the attitude that Balmforth has finished the season with will be emulated by others in the squad. Lost 9kg in 4 weeks and this will surely benefit him with his game time this year

Jordan Abdul will be the gauge, hope it goes well for him, I for one think a fit and slimmed down version of him will do the team a power of good in what promises to be e very interesting spine.
Edited because of bloody predictive text

He certainly looked trimmer when I saw him a couple weeks back

Good to hear about balmforth. I'm amazed really how a pro sportsman can be carrying too much flab. Makes you wonder how much physical activity there is in training week in, week out once pre season is over

Players always say that if they miss pre season, then it puts them back pretty much for the year, as fitness isn't really done during the season. Good to see Denive has stuck to a plan since the season finished, be good to see the shape of how some others turn up to Uni next week

Balmforth getting fitter means his game could go up a few levels next year. He’s still young as well and will still be finding his feet.

If Abdul gets himself near to good shape, we’ll have a real player on our hands.

I'll wait until I see them both I'm the first pre season game before I get excited, but is positive signs, both have potential to make our 17 much stronger if there are fitter.

Fair play to the lad, with no obvious ‘first choice’ at the minute the two dummy half positions for the starting 17 look wide open between Balmforth, Borough, Smith and possibly Cust you’d think the 2 who impress the most in pre season will get the nod.

Think the club will have to be really on the ball with Balmforth especially if he starts the season well. I’m sure in theory he can sign for someone else as early as this Friday. Personally I’d have tried to tie him down longer last year but it’s obvious he has the confidence to back himself could be a scramble for him. Not the worst situation for the club to be in though, it’s obvious he’s well motivated for the up coming season.

I'd like to see Balmforth share the 13 role when Asiata comes off for a breather.

We could run with 2 hookers on the pitch for 20/30minutes

I think it's an actual reflection of the lack of intensity under Smiths tenure not just in pre season training but training as a whole throughout the season. Balmforth went to Thailand and got in to good shape previously prior to pre season then somehow seemed to lose shape as the season progressed. Being honest the overall shape and fitness of the squad this year was poor. Think its a positive that Balmforth has taken onboard and done the graft to get back in to fitness prior to pre season as I believe he is a real gem and if well conditioned and coached properly will no doubt be a huge asset at 9.

Hopefully Abdul will be another that takes it on board as for him especially its a last chance saloon, again if he can stay in shape, fit and on the pitch he'll be an asset.