I'll be intrigued to see how JL structures his backline this year. In 2020 our backs were more than servicible without Pearce, Hamling, Logue and Young. How will they fit back into the team and who makes way for them if they are in our best 22? In particular, I hope that Hayden Young is given an opportunity in the first 22. The few looks we had of him last year makes me think that we have picked up a gun player that I would not like to lose through a lack of opportunities.
We finished the 2020 season with:Reece Conca, Brennan Cox, Nathan Wilson, Stephen Hill, Luke Ryan and Ethan Hughes (with Taylin Duman being another 2020 regular)
Ryan is a selection no brainer
JL has indicated that he is unlikely to move Cox forward (although I personally like the idea)
Wilson had an ordinary year but he is a quality player who gives us run out of the backline
Conca may be struggling to make the cut but he is considered a leader on the field
Hill may be struggling as he has yet to overcome an injury.
Hughes has his detractors but is highly thought of in the club
(Duman - very servicible but workman like rather than standout)
Bringing Pearce and/or Hamling into the backline (assuming they are fit to go) beside Cox and Ryan makes us a bit top heavy. Logue and Young could come in for Conca, Hill or Hughes without upsetting the cart too much (although there will be a lot of disappointed fans if S Hill is fit and doesnt get a run). I cant see Chapman getting a game unless injuries open up an opportinity (his draft selection seems odd given the log jam of tall backs but we can only hope that the club knew what it was doing).
Anyway, plenty to ponder and hopefully a sign that we have good backline depth (if only that were the case at the other end of the field!!)