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Nah - I think Hazelton is almost certainly going to Newcastle from all reports at least. He may change his mind for a better chance at success?

I think J Hunt is viewed as 4th 2nd row option

agree - likely to be Walters at 9 and Hunt at 6. If Hunt and Reynolds are managing things well, the Walters just needs to feed whoever is required and keep the middle tight

his biggest strength is his defence - multiple others have noted this on this very forum and other forums. They have ALSO noted he is a butter fingers, but hopefully this if fixed and is balanced out with "team defence" which comes from working with those around him - this has been lacking in...

the "mail" is just trying to cause controversy around Walters - Mozer is injured, then Walters will most likely be starting with Paix/Smoothy on bench - with Hunt at 5/8 already, this is likely to be the pecking order - nothing wrong with it as long as form dictates any changes

Arthurs is a stronger chance than Mariner at the moment, as he is more reliable. Not great, but reliable. I think he will need to hit the ground running or will be in danger from Shib, Mariner and a couple of other smokies once again, the competition can only be good. if they are playing...

although his hands let him down last time, he is a known defender and "talker" which is what is needed even though we lose some speed, combinations will be better which means the one off individual tries will not be the main ingredient, better team cohesion will be

Would have to be hugely discounted to stay 2026 - not really keen as losing Reynolds and Hunt (likely end of 2026) will leave us with no real experience in halves play maker for 2027.

Several of those players were having enough trouble playing one system - they would not have handled the multiple structures

either that or negotiate out of one of our fringe players to another team?

ultimately, with Ben as starting 5/8 or back up Half, we are in a better position than most other teams. We have Reynolds and Hunt as Tier 1 halves (and Mam to come back) along with backups in Madden, Black, Rogers, Walters, this is ample - with our other Hookers around the traps who can also...

was a great player, Welch - gave his all and was ultra tough and consistent - he showed signs last year he was not right - so not surprised medically retired

At least swap Hunt and Heatherington I doubt he would accept hunt - more likely Jensen or Willison starting and BTK on bench

If Hunt moved to halfback then the 6 just needs to play the role and spread to backs when he can both Madden and Billy can do this

Billy or Madden to 6 would be my bet

Agreed - there may be some changes in first 6-8 games depending on form within and outside the team May also be interesting if they play against bigger outside backs if they do horses for courses and change to adapt to opposition This can work but must have a team first approach with really...

Tough as nails and great head on defence - this will allow more flexibility with our other big men - hopefully less minutes for them as well Better rounded team

If Shibasaki is in does that mean Mariner to wing and Arthurs out or vice versa - Arthurs is more consistent but Mariner has that extra something??

If mariner is centre then Arthur’s likely to be wing

Agree - if he had any real competition last year he should have lost the starting spot with 6-8 weeks -