Squad Depth 2016 : Sat Oct 31, 2015 4:45 pm  

So, while it doesn't look like we're getting any new players any time soon, let's have a look at how strong this team is across the board in each position:

Now, I know some of these players were only contracted until the end of the season but the club have said that anyone not already announced as leaving is signed for next year.


Fullback:

Jake Mullaney
James Mendeika
James Claire
Oscar Thomas
Chris Ulugia

Wing:

James Claire
Danny Williams
Etu Uaisele
Omar Caro
Chris Ulugia


Centre:

Adrian Purtell
Matty Blythe
Jean-Philippe Baile
Lucas Walshaw
James Mendeika
Matt Ryan
Dane Nielsen

Half Backs

Lee Gaskell
Harry Siejka
Jake Mullaney
Oscar Thomas
Danny Addy

Hooker

Adam O'Brien
Vila Halafihi

Prop

Paul Clough
Adam Sidlow
Daniel Fleming
Alex Mellor
Epalahame Lauaki
Steve Crossley

2nd Row

Tom Olbison
Dale Ferguson
Danny Addy
Lucas Walshaw
Jay Pitts
Matt Ryan

Loose Forward

Jay Pitts
Danny Addy
Dale Ferguson

Now, it does look like we have enough bodies to complete, but numbers are only half the battle. There are players named here who really need to up their game next year and if they either can't or won't then they should be dropped. We have 6 guys who can play prop and only 4 spaces. Therefore, at least 2 of those props should be looking over their shoulder all season.

But the real trouble I see looking at the squad as it stands is that we still have the issue of quantity over quality. Now, there are players in that line up who do not give their all and need to shape up or ship out and if the coach can't get that out of them then maybe he needs to go the same way

Re: Squad Depth 2016 : Sat Oct 31, 2015 4:49 pm  

Dont think Matt Ryan's signed has he? Also Mellor isn't big enough for prop so I make it we have 5.

I agree about lack of quality though. Still expect one or two to leave still. Two big quality props could transform that side though.

Re: Squad Depth 2016 : Sat Oct 31, 2015 5:42 pm  

You might want to add Ethan Ryan (centre) and Joe Lumb (hooker) who have both been promoted to the first team squad this season.

[Bulliac]

Re: Squad Depth 2016 : Sat Oct 31, 2015 8:23 pm  

Bull Mania wrote:

Dont think Matt Ryan's signed has he? Also Mellor isn't big enough for prop so I make it we have 5.

I agree about lack of quality though. Still expect one or two to leave still. Two big quality props could transform that side though.

Matt was OOC at the end of the season and last I heard was that he was, "hoping to get a call", but more recent announcements suggest he may be in for a long wait, which is a pity as I thought he did OK.

In this division, I can live with the props, but even here we're likely to struggle against the better teams unless we can get a halfback.

Re: Squad Depth 2016 : Wed Nov 11, 2015 2:00 pm  

Well, with the inclusion of our new signings, the team is looking like a stronger unit for next year.
We asked for some grunt in the props and I think in Clark and Walker we've address that. Hopefully, Lowes will learn to better manage his squad rotation and Halafifi gets more game time and O'Brien gets a chance to get over the consistant shots to the head he takes. The only real ommission from the side is a 7, but really we got through the majority of last year without one along with missing a 6 and a 1, so at this stage it's not a huge worry.
In fact, I'd be more worried if the club hit the panic button and signed any Tom, Dick or Harry to play 7 instead of finding a player of quality that will compliment the current team

Re: Squad Depth 2016 : Thu Nov 12, 2015 9:52 am  

Well we've just got rid of Harry so we only need to find Tom and Dick

Re: Squad Depth 2016 : Thu Nov 12, 2015 11:03 am  

roofs can you keep re-posting that thing you say that it doesn't look as if we're getting any new signings, cos every time you do, they sign someone else

Re: Squad Depth 2016 : Thu Nov 12, 2015 11:25 am  

Ferocious Aardvark wrote:

:IDEA:

roofs can you keep re-posting that thing you say that it doesn't look as if we're getting any new signings, cos every time you do, they sign someone else

Ok, we don't look to be signing any more players, especially not a new 7

[Bulliac]

Re: Squad Depth 2016 : Thu Nov 12, 2015 11:37 am  

Well, Uaisele has a spread in the T&A almost like a new signing - is that good enough..

Re: Squad Depth 2016 : Thu Nov 12, 2015 12:19 pm  

roofaldo2 wrote:

Ok, we don't look to be signing any more players, especially not a new 7