In its simplest form, if you compare the team for 2025 c/w the team that started 2024, we have replaced Nicholson with Yates and Drinkwater with Hayes / Leyland. From what Sam Burgess has said, Russell has been brought in to give us 'options' in the second row.



The halfback situation is a bit 'wait and see' as it depends upon whether / how quickly Hayes can come back from a serious injury, but having Leyland there gives us a Plan B.



In the pack Fitzgibbon's fitness is clearly a concern. He only played in 17 out of 33 games last season (and failed to complete 2 of those), so we're going to need Holroyd et al.



Before the 2024 season started, we lost Kasiano. He's never been replaced, and we've missed not having a big interchange prop. Musgrove doesn't seem to punch his weight and whilst Yates, Philbin, Crowther and Holroyd all give 100%, our pack lacks a bit of size.



I'm not worried about our 3/4s. Lindop, Wrench and Taylor-Wray are there for backup and to put pressure on the incumbents.



In summary, I see us as being neither weaker, nor stronger, than at the start of 2024.

Beat me too is

Agreed, and because of our alleged interest, they will be paying him a lot more on their Salary Cap than what he is worth, in order to retain him.

Assuming Vaughan, Musgrove and Tai go back to Australia next year we’ll have 3 quota places available. Fitzgibbon may also go back but I’m not sure when his deal expires. Be interesting to see who we’re after. Definitely need at least a couple of props and a back rower to add to Byrne coming in.

Fitzgibbon's deal is to November 2026.

One forward in the Vaughan mould (long minutes / yardage), and one big bopper (short bursts of disruption) please.