I hope Billy Burns is being recruited to be our right edge forward. Kerr is trying hard but I'm certain that he is a better in the middle than out on an edge. Ford has not risen to task as yet. Fui is doing great at lock but can he maintain this form long term?
If De Belin becomes available we will have enough depth in forwards to make the top 4 in 2021. All those doubters will only have to look back at the demolition job the Dragons did on Parramatta in Round 5.
I would love to see Fifita and McGuire be available for the ANZAC Day game against the Roosters.
2021 Squad
In; Bird, McCullough, Fifita, Alvaro, Faamausili, Elis, Burns
Out; Aitken, Lafai, K Sims, Host, Blacker, Saab, Frizell, Graham
Likely forwards depth for season 2021:
Props; Vaughan, Lawrie, Fifita (bench), Kerr (bench), Alvaro, Faamausili, Ellis
Hookers; McCullough, Wishart (bench utility)
Backrow; Sims, McGuire, Burns, Ford, Merrin,
Lock; De Belin, Fuimaono (bench)
2022 Squad
In: Molo. Schiller
Out: Norman, McInnes, Pereira, Ellis, Merrin, (maybe Dufty)
Likely forwards depth for season 2022:
Props; Vaughan, Lawrie, Fifita (bench), Kerr (bench), Molo, Alvaro, Faamausili
Hookers; McCullough, Wishart (bench utility)
Backrow; Sims, McGuire Fuimaono, Burns, Ford,
Lock; De Belin, Fuimaono (bench)
Griffin will have half a season and a full off-season to prepare a quality forward pack for at tilt at the premiership. He will have the opportunity to rotate his forwards and select on form without fear of losing quality. Competition amongst the forwards for a first grade spot will be fierce.
In the backs, I believe that fullback will be the most contested position with Dufty, Ramsey, Sloan and Schiller all having a desire to play fullback. Dufty must step up each game to hold his position. Ramsey needs more time in first grade to be considered and the other two contenders, Sloan and Schiller, will need to stake their claim from reserve grade.
Our backline now has good depth that is stacked with talented young players. I am expecting big things from the Feagai brothrs, Sloan, Sullivan, Amone and Schiller. I would never had thought that Saints could transform in to such a promising squad so quickly.
When you take a close look at recruitment under Griffin, there is a stark difference in quality and value for money when compared to the Mary/Millward era.
