Would be criminal to move Ellis to 13. Having props who can do big minutes is a massive bonus, which him & Havard can both do. Opens your options for proper impact props up, and means if you're blooding the younger lads there's no pressure for them to be doing anything more than 30 mins.

A good point re Smithies leaving. I think that Byrne is actually at his best leading the defensive line per my earlier comment re Byrne on Walmsley. I don’t think that Byrne is better with the ball in hand than Walmsley but his aggression in defence can nullify someone like Walmsley.
As you say his form prior to his injury and importantly after a brief break was what I think he is capable of most weeks.
With the new additions to the squad this will put pressures on Byrne to maintain his position in the 17 but I’m quietly confident that he will respond well to the challenge.

I would be very disappointed if he did depart. If he did become available like you say there would be plenty of teams chasing his signature.
I’m hoping that in 2024 we will see a more mature and consistent Byrne which will put pressure on the club to retain him with improved terms.

I’m hoping that competition will really drive him as well. He’s a nailed on starter for me ‘if’ he plays in a similar way to how he was playing in that latter period of the season. He was absolutely smashing people all over the show and that’s ideal to set the tone. As things stand with the squad currently (and assuming Smithies departs), I’d be looking at starting Byrne and Ellis and bringing Dupree and Havard from the bench, with Thompson at loose forward. To think that leaves Mago, Cooper, Hill, Chan and Eseh in the stands is pretty amazing.

I keep seeing fans’ teams for next year on Twitter and they have Ellis missing out, I don’t see where they get it from, I do agree that he was our best prop in 2023. He’s the most underrated prop in the league, a few decisions in the disciplinary don’t go his way at times but we’ve had that for a number of years with Isa. Played just under an hour in the GF and played the first 36 mins, that’s some effort.

Ellis had a VERY good season, particularly the second half after his ban from the cup game.

Squad number wise, I’d like to see Havard 8 Byrne 10 Ellis 13.

Unless we sign a rugby Union player.

Agreed, Ellis was outstanding at 13 away at wire.

Yea I do see Ellis taking a starting position. He’s got great intensity in the opening spell.

Is there any news on returns for Cooper, Harvard and Byrne? Also is Thompson fit to start the season?

Cooper will be back late April.

Thompson played in the bulldogs last game so assume he’s fully fit.

Byrne I think was 8-10 weeks so he should be fine.

No idea on Havard.

With Ellis, Mago, Byrne, Dupree and to a lesser extent Eseh and Hill (not doubting ability just a lot to rely on young lads) we should be fine for the first half of the season.

Thompson can cover prop and 13 with maybe O’Neil just with question marks over the people outgoing Shorrocks and Powell

Leeming cover 9 and O’Neil possibly Rocky?

Don’t have to rush the injured back then