Does anyone think this will change the way we play much in 2019?

If we go with the usual prop and hooker rotation that's 6 changes leaving only 2 more. I can see that final bench place going to a versatile backrow type player rather than an extra prop or back.

More often than not it'll be a bench of two props e.g. Peltier and Green, a backup hooker Lilley or Flanagan and then a backrower like Garside.

Not really. I expect Crossley will still do big minutes, as will Green/Magrin if required. I think the only thing it may stop is having a back on the bench like an Evans. Might just make Kear think. A back could have come on in order for say Webster to move to SR or Hitchcox to FB if we were struggling. But as you say I think that last bench spot now goes to a Garside/Farrell/Storton.

I think Lilley may struggle for game time if we go with Wildie starting and Flanagan on the bench.

I think that's how we will go. But it will be horses for courses. Early in the season when we are playing in mud baths, I think we will go with Wood at 13, and rotate him a long with the two starting props with 3 props off the bench. Minchella/Farrell/Garside are all 80 min players. So 2 of them will probably play the full 80.

When the grounds harden up, we can change things around and play Minchella at 13 and be more expansive. Plenty of options for Kear to ponder.

Also not forgetting Storton who sounded liked he had another impressive game yesterday.

I can see Lilley playing a lot off the bench with Flanagan being the one who gets less gametime of the two. Wildie will be 1st choice I reckon.

Possibly. Personally the only way Lilley gets more gametime than Flanagan is if we are looking to sign him permanently and on a 2-3 year deal. Otherwise we are leaving out a player who has spent all his career at this level and knows the Championship well which could be vital this season.

I agree that Wildie has to start. Great acquisition from Kear and can lead a team around!

I thought we were staying at 10 and only SL was reducing to 8?

Bulls4Champs wrote:I thought we were staying at 10 and only SL was reducing to 8? nope we get the changes too. Only difference between leagues will be we dont get golden point in league games ( will be used in cup and playoff games though). There was talk of a shot clock which isn't mentioned in rfl article so not sure if we're getting that or not. https://www.rugby-league.com/article/54098/law-amendments-for-

Bulls4Champs wrote:I thought we were staying at 10 and only SL was reducing to 8? nope we get the changes too. Only difference between leagues will be we dont get golden point in league games ( will be used in cup and playoff games though). There was talk of a shot clock which isn't mentioned in rfl article so not sure if we're getting that or not. https://www.rugby-league.com/article/54098/law-amendments-for-

Roger

Keeping Webster fit might help a lot with the reduced interchanges. He could effectively play as the back row interchange, but he's also available to move into the backline if required. Means you've got cover on the bench for the backs in case of injury without having to give up a forward's place. You could even have Rhys Evans or Ash Gibson on the bench instead (with Webster starting) for the same effect, moving Webster into the back row when you bring them on.

The less interchanges you have, the more valuable your versatile players become. I tend to agree though that when everyone is fit, there's not enough room in the 17 for Keyes, Chisholm, Lilley and Flanagan. One has to miss out, but that just means for good rotation and/or injury cover.

Loves an interchange hooker does JK though. I'm not a fan.