I disagree that he has not being tested, he played in some massive games and never let himself down, he did great at Craven Park which was a good test and did a beautiful chase down tackle the other week against Cats, he shoved a lot of the ball behind the post in the Catalans play-off however due to wet conditions and he was instructed to do this, he would have like to have run a few out but you have to do what your coach tells you to do. I think his positioning will improve with more game time. I agree with you regards h/backs we have the cover however we need more in the front row & I think we could do to utilise McDonnells wage in this area. Jury still out regards Holdsworth for me, I think he has shown glimpses of his talent (semi) but being very average on occasions, maybe he did not want to play for Gentle but we may see a different more consistent performance under Radders and if this is the case I would keep him for his kicking ability if nothing else.

Yep, agree. His general ball-handling is my only concern. I think everything else will come together at least some with age/experience, but his passing needs extra work.

I think if their both fit to pick Shaul over McDonnell would be a mistake, Mcdonnell is by far the better FB, but that's to be expected because of his age and experience.

Shaul needs to be playing SL games because he's got everything going for him he just needs that experience to refine his game, maybe loaning him to another SL club is the answer with a recall clause to cover for injuries.

With a full SL season under his belt Shaul would be first choice FB for 2015.

Isn't this year McDonnells final year in his contract?? If so no need to resign him.

Yeah I think so, in which case it would work out perfectly.

Shaul should be ready by then and we can sign a cheap/young FB as back up.

If AP is intent on taking us forward with locality, passion and youth, then Shaul wears the number one jersey next year. He will only improve with a full year in the comp. Saying that, I do like Shannon and I thought he had a good year last season. Big call for Radders etc. to make.