I'm still on a high after Wembley but just thinking over the next year - 18 months potentially having to replace Ellis,Minichello and Frank .

Its not just their playing ability but their leadership qualities especially
Ellis and Mini that they bring .

I'm sure it's something the club have in mind but just wondered who potentially we could target to replace them.

Thoughts ?

Dean Hadley I'm sure will be stepping up once Ellis & Mini retire to the starting 13, he has all the necessary attributes IMO.


For the other spots, we'll have a heck of a lot of cap space to play with. I've no idea who's OOC at the end of 2017 to be honest.

Elliot Whitehead if we could tempt him back to the uk.

Could look at James Donaldson and Graeme Horne if he's still knocking about?

Yeah Hadley, Turgut and potentially a big name could come in as 2nd Rowers

I honestly don't think the likes of Turgut, Fash and Downs will ever make it? Turgut may be a squad player but nothing else?
Shoot me down for knocking a young player but it's an opinion.

We should replace Minichiello/Pritchard like for like. Attempt to sign a quality back rower with there money.

You might be right but I am still hopeful this generation of players could produce some first team talent.

I'm looking forward to tonight to see how some of the kids go.

Hadley reminds me of a young Ellis. His build, he hits hard, the lines he runs. I think Turgut is a really good player, excels in the Reserves so needs to be in the first team now

I've been a big fan of Hadley's for a long time. Think he can become a fixture in our team for a long while. Not sure about turgut but he deserves a chance. Imo we should be looking at another top class second row as well.

Jansin was good enough to captain the England team and has played really well for the under 19's and under 23's. Given the opportunity I don't think he'll let us down. Like others say Hadley is already first team material and was unlucky to miss out on a spot at Wembley.