Delany is in the prime of his career. If his body can’t withstand it now he never will. His body has stopped growing, Sutcliffe and Ward aren’t in that position putting too much on their shoulders (in wards case literally) now could ruin their career before it starts.



I think if Ward gets 20 games and Sutcliffe 10-15 this year, and if they are playing 40-50mins instead of 60-70mins per game most of the time then their development wont be harmed and they wont be over-worked.



What we also need to take in to account is the training in and around first grade games. I would rather Ward and Sutcliffe missed a couple of the strength and conditions sessions needed for first team for a few more skills sessions at this stage. If that means they play a few games less im not all that upset about it.

I sem to recall McGuire and Burrow droppinmg straight into the team at a very young age...without the need for all this nuturing.



When we had the barrage of injuries early in the seadon these young player stepped up and showed what thay can do.



Now is the time for them to get some sustained game time.

Burrow played from the bench in short spells. McGuire played 4 matches in his first season 13 in his 2nd, and 29 in his third.

Neither were asked to carry the ball into contact and defend in the middle of the field. What they were doing at a young age and the sort of role expected of Ward are worlds apart.

Correct.

Plus Burrow and McGuire came in at a much different time for the club. In the halves you had Harris leaving for RU, Powell was now coach and Ben Walker never worked out.



If you look back at some team lineups from back then you'll even see Karl Pratt starting in the halves a few times.

Sutcliffe is 20 played 13 first team games scored 7 tries

Ward is 21 played 11 first team games scored 4 tries.



They are ready and should be playing 6 & 7 next year





Hardaker

Hall

Watkins

Moon

Briscoe

Sutcliffe

Ward

Peacock

McShane/Aiton

Singleton

Ablett

Delaney

Sinfield



Leuleui

JJB

Bailey

Burrow

Not sure they should be 6&7, but to suggest they are not developed enough physically is just ridiculous. Skills wise and knowing the game would be the only question, and Certainly in Wards case that is covered.

Sutcliffe didn't look to bad either when used last season with comparisons being made here with some of our past legends.



The side listed looks well balanced IMHO. The 3/4 line is the best in the SL and the pack has a good mix of experience.



As you say these two young players need to be developed asap and to do that they need the ball in their hands. Where better to develop those skill sets than at the heart of the action not with their heads buried in the pack.



It also allows us to settle the rest of the side with players playing in their true positions.



Looks like we will maybe have 2 out and out hookers to select from.

I'd be wary of starting Sutcliffe for the minute. While he undoubtedly talented, getting plenty of open-age game time at Hunslet might well be useful for him.



Ward however spent most of 2012 in the first team, and was performing fantastically before injury in 2013. Starting him at LF allows our two best second rows (Delaney & Ablett) to start in their best positions, nurtures more time out of JJB and gives us an additional ballplayer at LF.



So, for 2014:



1. Zak Hardaker

2. Tom Briscoe

3. Kallum Watkins

4. Joel Moon

5. Ryan Hall

6. Kevin Sinfield

7. Danny McGuire

8. Brad Singleton

9. Paul Aiton

10. Jamie Peacock

11. Brett Delaney

12. Carl Ablett

13. Stevie Ward



14. Rob Burrow

15. Kylie Leuluai

16. Ryan Bailey

17. Jamie Jones-Buchanan

It's not ridiculous to suggest they're not developed physically enough since members of the Rhinos coaching staff say they're not.

The game has changed. Even from when McGuire, Burrow etc made their debuts. It's much faster and tougher in the middle. Everyone is bigger, faster and stronger. Of course there'll be some who handle it just fine, even thrive. That doesn't mean everyone will or can. As Smokey says, it's a balancing act. They need enough game time to ensure they develop, but that doesn't mean playing them every minute of every week. Because they're not going to develop at all if they're on the side injured.

Liam Sutcliffe is not yet 19. Stevie Ward is not yet 20 and has had 2 major shoulder injuries. There is an argument that Ward ended up playing LESS this year because he wasn't protected