I was able to ask some people in the know last night about this age group at GT. At the moment Howard weighs around 95kg - and not an ounce of fat (they reckon he went past 85kg in grade 9).
I saw him yesterday and I would take 95kgs with a very big grain of salt - he did look very strong and fit and a bit bigger than I expected.
For the record I in no way question his ability I am just not sure there is position for him in the GT side this year he will be a key player next year for sure.
I don't think he is ready to move to prop for a contending team.
At any rate Mackiln offers the same physical presence is 2 years older and has a year of 1stXV under his belt so if you aren't adding considerable size I cant see Mackilin losing his position and Nasser is a given.
6 is his best bet but there are quite a few boys with claims to the back row positions:
Returning:
Webster - 2015 7 - played a lot of 8 in JGC and big impact player this year for mine
Lutvey - 2015 No 8 - better suited to 6 IMO
Kelly played 7 lost spot to Webster a chance at 6
New Players:
Tweedy - probably not playing though (??) but always had start potential
Wilson - will be at either 8 or 4 probably 4.
Wrigley - who is looking more like an 6/8 than a 12/13
Hearne - Leader of the 16's and quality 7
White - a nice work in progress who I like at 8 but may be groomed for 1 in 2017.
So at least 9 including Howard with legitimate claims
GT are going to have a nice back row and an exceptional one if they can find an impact No 8.