We're really only sorted for props and second rowers.
We can happily get by at lock, but wouldn't say no to someone with more ball playing skills. James and Capewell should bring the level heads we've been lacking. Haas and Flegler should continue to mature into our long term forward leaders. Riki, Piakura, Palasia, Robati, Willison, Carrigan and Hetherington: we're okay there, but we really don't know how okay.
Spine has only improved on last year with the addition of Reynolds. It's a massive improvement, but we can't fall to shit if he gets injured. Gamble and Kelly both demand consideration at 6: one for ticker, the other for skill. But neither are quite good enough to demand their place just yet. Turpin's motor is like nothing we've ever seen, and his attitude is impeccable. He's not a slug like Macca, but he hasn't been offering much in attack. That might improve with Reynolds calling the shots. Still, he should be polishing his CV. Even if it's to get his contract renewed.
Fullback is wide open. Herbie, Tesi, Jamayne, Selwyn. You can't go wrong. Or right. Tesi has it for now. Selwyn will get a run there at some point. You can bank that.
Centres. One is settled if Kotoni can stay fit, and Kevvie doesn't waste him at 6. Like fullback, the other is rented with other names like Lee, Arthars and even Capewell up for consideration. It's Herbie's to lose from round one.
Wings: Many critics are saying we're weak on the wings. In attack with the loss of Coates, and in defence for years. We'll see some heavy rotation out there if we continue to duff chances and let in tries. Farnworth will come under pressure if he can't form combinations out there, and might find himself shifted wider. One of the fullback candidates is likely to end up out there partnering Oates initially. Good luck working out which one, but it's unlikely they'll stay there. Watch this space.
Conclusion: the entire backline is still in turmoil, with only Reynold's leadership adding some stability.
