Not much to be read into it I reckon. For a good while they have preferred to give new signings high numbers in their first year (e.g Hardaker 20 last year, Sarginson, Bateman etc were 20odd in their first years too but played more or less every game). The only really interesting one to me is French getting 6. I'm not saying that means he's our first choice halfback as clearly Hastings will take one spot, but it surely means he'll play in the halves at some point.
Most say I'm suprised Navarette, Escare and Sammut are all still here. Strong candidates to go out on loan for the year surely.