So I was just looking through the haves and have nots for next year. We will have 7 30+ year olds in the squad. Although this may sound like a lot, the majority are in the pack where you need the experience. The 30+ year olds are Webb, Sinfield, Peacock, Leuluai, Griffin, Moore and JJB.

What I like about the look of next years team is the 3/4 line! If it can stay fit and healthy I dont think there will be a quicker, more exciting one in the SL. You have BJB, Watkins, Hardaker and Hall. How many opposition 3/4s could honestly say they'd look forward to facing that?

Webb is still here and even though he has a few "senior" moments now and then my opinion on his 1 year extention has changed. He showed me in the last month or so of the season that he still has something to offer to this team and with the inexperience of the 3/4 line it will probably be good to have someone who's been there to be around them.

As for the halves i'd keep it as it is with Sinfield and McGuire at 6 and 7. We looked much more fluent and better organised like this and it would be silly to change things.

My team for next year would probably go something like this at the moment...

Webb
BJB
Watkins
Hardaker
Hall

Sinfield
McGuire

Bailey
McShane
Peacock
JJB
Ablett
Clarkson

Griffin
Leuluai
Delaney
Burrow
------------
Hauraki
Kirke
Moore
Smith
Ambler

Decent strength and a good mix between youth and experience. You may look at that and think that there is no depth in the back line but we have players who can change and do jobs elsewhere like Ablett and Delaney so we shouldnt be short on options.

Is the team good enough to repeat though? Only time will tell, but with that backline i'm confident we will see some points next year.

Yes, it can. It has a fast, exciting young back line, experience and depth in the forwards and big game players who know how to hit peak at the right time.

The only question mark is how the hooker role is handled.

I'll say this. If we finish fifth again I bet clubs won't be picking us in club call.

For me, we lack a dynamic forward who can put a big 10/15 minute stint in at the end of the half, or give a killer offload. I still think we will sign a replacement for Ali who will play a similar role. I wouldn't also grudge another outside back, but only if it is someone who will really add something to the team, not another Delaney who wouldn't add to the backs. How feasable that is I don't know.

I'd say we have a better chance than we did this time last year with both Peacock and McGuire being fit (fingers crossed).

I don't think age is as important as it used to be, players like Menzies, Senior, Peacock, Morley etc have shown that you can play consistently at the very highest level if you look after yourself and the improved medical/physio services just help that.

Hahahaaaaa Too right!

It'll be difficult...again, but if the form over the closing couple of months of the season is indicative of what McDermott's coaching methods have been able to achieve, there's no reason to suggest it can't be carrried into 2012.

shall we try from 8th

that would wind up the pies

It's has to be. After the hudds play off game whatever happened we had enough to take into a good preseason and polish it up. Now the lads should be on fire! The line in the sand has been drawn! Recalibration complete. Faith restored without doubt! This team must! This team will kick on.

Depends if Peacock and Sinfield are fit at play-off time.

As my "knee jerk" posts during last season show my only doubts were the coaching staff and for me they've been ramming humble pie back down my throat since Wembley.
The back line have so much potential to take this league by storm for years to come and whilst i question what Moore will bring i do like the addition of Griffin.
I also think we will see 1/2 more come from the production line and get some 1st team games next year which hopefully will be start of their paths to regular 1st team spots.
IF we are to sign anyone then i would like to see an ALI esque replacement if possible otherwise i don't see any need for signings just to add numbers.
I understand G1's concern re-9 but i think with Hood and Burrow(if needed) we can cover that role soundly.
This squad still has stacks of potential and now after doing "mission impossible" they will alwyas have the belief no matter what the season throws at us which makes us even more dangerous.

don't no why people get hung up on players over 30. most of the players mentioned or just over 30. up to 33-34 don't see the problem. and even after this age as long as they are fit and injury free no reason why they still can't compete. appreciate not everyone is a steve menzies. we should easily get 3-4 years out of Griffin Sinfield JJb etr and a couple more out of Peacock. and with plenty of youth coming through think we look in good shape.

I agree with your comments and in the YEP this week Gary H also said that there's always room for quality signings from the NRL or other SL clubs within the salary cap. It's only an offer to Senior and he might turn it down. I still think there will be 1/2 quality additions to squad for 2012. We should be aiming to finish top of SL and also win another Grand Final (plus the Challenge Cup).