I think Matt Healy was really impressive last season. Coming from the AIL he made the step up and looks like a handy player to have in the squad. For this season Niyi if he gets a chance and I hope Shane Layden. He's being threatening for the last few seasons but still hasn't delivered through bad luck and injury. Hopefully this is his year.

If Ronaldson stays fit, then I think he has the armoury to nail down the ten slot. He has more physicality than either Miah or Jack and a decent turn of pace, with Dan out the way I think we'll see him step up this year.

On the basis of what I saw at Adams Park, I think new winger Niyi will come strong this season too. Only concern is that the extra physicality on a weekly basis will be a struggle coming from the AIL.

Leader also, I really like the cut of his jib and if he can settle into one position I think he can be a real star for us...

clanman wrote: I think not having these NZ guys available at the start is a flaw in the system, we pay them big money and then don't have them for at the start of the season, maybe they need the rest or injured. We do seem to pick up a lot of injured players, Clarke, Poolman and now Mils.

You have to think of the bigger picture. We have Aki and McCartney for 3 years. Their salary won't start till they get here. (Aki came off concussed last weekend) Mils is here for coaching/ mentoring as well as playing. poolmans biggest injuries have been while training here in Galway.

with Mils, Aki and McCarteney not due to be back playing until October we will need some of the younger lads to improve on last year.

I think not having these NZ guys available at the start is a flaw in the system, we pay them big money and then don't have them for at the start of the season, maybe they need the rest or injured. We do seem to pick up a lot of injured players, Clarke, Poolman and now Mils. Picking up injuries during the season is fair enough but arriving on crutches is a bit laughable

Conor Finn.

I have great hopes for Leader this year. Also on paper Heffernan is our 4th choice hooker when McCartney has arrived and Jay is fit. After a weak start last season I was impressed with his improvement and mobility. Would like to see him pushing for regular spot on bench.

McKeon still has to 'step up' as far as I'm concerned, thought he was poor most of last season. I'm worried about 10 and 8 this year.

Has to be ronaldson and carty. If it isnt then connacht will really struggle.

Well we kinda need Carty to keep improving. Leader I think could put a stamp on the squad as well, perhaps being main backup for Mils. I would like to see TRSOB (The Real Sean O'Brien) make some solid appearances from the bench as well.

I recently watched The West's Awake again, and realised that it was O'Halloran and Griffins first season with the main team.
It got me thinking, that we've been pretty good at pushing through young players over the last three years

These have been the main home grown players to break through each of the last three seasons (apologies if I've forgotten someone)

2011/2012: O'Halloran and Griffin (possibly Loughney - but he's been around for a while)
2012/2013: Marmion and Henshaw (possibly Buckley)
2013/2014: McKeon and Kearney (Leader and Carty got game time, but I wouldnt put them at the same level as the other two as of yet)

Who do people expect to break through this season?