Originally Posted by
magic superbeetle
So in the spirit of New Years I decided to put together a list of 21 questions we need answered in 2021. Feel free to add others, and hopefully we can look back following another successful season...
1. But seriously, what is Jack Welbsy’s position?
Even though I don’t think anyone doubted Jacks natural ability, there were more than a few “on the fence” about him in 2020, with a fair discussion on whether he should even make the semi final squad. I think it’s fair to say he silenced the critics with two incredible performances, but I don’t think any of us are any the wiser about what his natural position is - is he cursed to float around the backs Ratchford/ Connor style and not fulfilling his potential, or can he kick on again and nail down where he fits long term.
2. Can Josh Simm displace Kev Naiqama?
Simm pushed Jacks position in the squad all the way, after some really polished performances filling in for Percival, on his weaker side. Conversely, Naiqama is coming into the final year of his contract and at 32 by the start of the 2021 season, will be potentially be looking at retirement/ moving on. I still think Fiji Kev is really important to our team though, making the half break in the last minute of the grand final, getting us in range for the drop goal attempt and getting the quick play the ball.
3. Talking of which, can Percival come back?
It’s fair to say we mismanaged Percival’s injury ultimately with him playing 20 minutes of the cup game before limping off and never being seen again. I think fans forget just how important is to our attack, and him fully firing in 2021 will be like a new signing - if he can put a full season together.
4. Will we get a resolution of the endless Fages vs Dodd debate?
I’ll be upfront, I’m team Dodd. It irks me that fans of Fages first line of defending him is his defence and ignore his unimaginative kicking game and stuttering passing game. Dodd was pretty much named as the reason we accepted a transfer fee from Castleford for Richardson and showed some promising signs on the few occasions we saw him in 2020. With Fages OOC this year (and hardly old himself at 26) it’s really important we get this right, getting the best person in the role, whilst keeping everyone happy (lest we end up with another Smith/ Eastmond situation!)
5. Who starts with Walmsley?
I dont think there’s any doubt that we have had a good recruitment cycle, but we haven’t (and weren’t going to be able to) replaced Thompson like for like. Paasi should be a good signing (in the same way lots of NRL props should be, though there’s always an element of risk), but has been sold more as an impact prop, which leaves the question, who partners Walmsley as starting prop? So often over the last two years we have dominated the first 20 minutes, leaving opposition on the back foot for the rest of the game. Lees seems to be the obvious choice, but his form last year was ... scratchy at best (though started improving towards the playoffs).
6. Can Roby do it forever?
Another ooc this year, and having seen Graham retire this season may call it a day after this one. In a lot of ways, I think 2020 was one of Robys best (which is saying a lot!) and has shown no signs of slowing up or like he couldn’t keep going until he’s 40, but sometimes a season for whatever reason becomes the season too far. Then there’s the question over whose the heir apparent. Smith has been around for a few years but never seemed to force his way as a must have, Eaves really impressed in the few appearances he’s had but for whatever reason has been really limited, and Fages could find himself there if the above Dodd debate is settled, but can any of them carry the Saints 9 legacy we have had for the last 25 years?
7. Where does Mata’utia fit into the equation?
I think we were all pleasantly surprised when Mata’utia signing was announced, and has all the pedigree to be a superstar for us. Youngest ever Aussie international, 100+ NRL games and only 24 to boot. However with Joel Thompson and James Bentley already expecting starting positions competition in the back row next year should be fierce. No doubt a big step up on Taia (who will be missed) Peyroux and Paulo but keeping everyone happy will be a challenge.
8. Talking of competition, who gets the 4th prop spot?
Whilst Lees and Paasi may be fighting it out for starting with Walmsley, the competition for who joins them on the bench should be another positive for next year. Amor, LMS Norman and Batchelor will all be looking for that regular playing time next year with only 1 or 2 spots a week available - Amor and LMS will start the year no doubt but can they be displaced?
9. Will we miss Graham’s leadership?
The Graham fairytale definitely played its part last year, and no doubt Joel Thompson has been brought in to play a part in the leadership squad, but I don’t think we will know the impact until it’s gone (of course Wigan fans are convinced losing Graham is a big leadership blow to us, but losing SoL won’t make a difference to them ...)
10. Whose next on the production line?
This might be a bit of a selfish one for me, but we have produced quite a few of the best props around over the recent past, and with the 4th prop spot wide open it creates an opportunity for the production line to jump someone to the front of the queue, though I have no idea if any one is on a position to step up.
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