Personally I'm a McDonnell fanboy so he'd be the first SR in my team. He just lacks a little bit of size (hence I guess Wigan letting him go). But he has a great attitude and his skill level is fantastic at times. Skill is an underrated aspect: little offloads, kicks, a good pass, safe hands makes all the difference at elite level. I expect us to be more skilful next season compared to last.

Going to be really interesting to see how the young players perform through pre-season. The first 13 looks pretty obvious apart from one of the starting second row slots, but there are 2 bench spots up for grabs if not 3. RS is going to have the luxury of some selection headaches next season, until inevitably injuries hit...

Agree with all of that.
McDonnell works hard and has a good engine and has the skill set to be even better.
Also think our first 13 is top 4 standard. My worry is the back up we have might test that thought process.

To be honest we have changed so much - not just in terms of number of signings, but significant first grade signings.. really we need to see how the team goes before we know much more about priorities next season. We have a chance of challenging in 2024 now, and we have addressed some critical issues in the squad with quality and with attitude.

Over the next year some of the younger lads like Gannon and Simpson should be starting to mature a little and push for places - and there are a couple of others under the radar now who could start to come through. There are plenty of players coming off contract next season again - which can work either way.

That proved to be disastrous last season.. lets hope history doesn't repeat.

Next season could be anything.
A certain level of optimism is understandable given we've taken steps to address shortcomings.
However, the fact that we needed to replace 1, 6, 7 and 9 in the same off season is a real indicator of a club in a mess. Has any other club undertaken such drastic spine surgery in the SL era? Ever? It's almost impossible to predict how this might go.

Yeah agree, I'm semi-optimistic about next year and I think we should have some good performances and victories along the way, but also lots of variables.

Some other sides have recruited well and particularly Wigan seem to be an ascending star at the moment. Honestly think we need a really good pre-season and then when Mom arrives we should look something like for Round 1.

Pre season needs to be based on getting the fundamentals, position specifics and structures right. Forget the gimmicks like doing ballet sessions in training or putting young backrowers in the halves.

Wigan will be very difficult to dislodge imo. They have the look of a side that knows they're good enough to win multiple titles. Which would be a pity as one club dominance isn't great for the comp.

Unless it's us, of course.

It's the 3rd time in the last 5 years we have had 2 new half backs so should be used to it by now!
Gale and Lolehea + Lui
Sezer and Austin
Croft and Frawley
Factor in that Myler and O Connor moved into new positions due to injuries and arguably we are well versed in changing our spine!
Admittedly this time it feels a much more considered process

I think there’s a difference between changing your spine in a panic, and what appears to be a much more measured approach this year.

We seem to have targeted players that will and in the case of Ackers and Croft have a recent history of complimenting each other. (I added recent because Austin and Sezer should have had that too).