Brown was quoted around a month ago saying that we had a thicker squad for next season which will be able to deal with injuries that occur and keep us competative in all our games, looking at the mainline players that have left and come in I am not sure this is going to be the case,

Jackson - Fa'alogo
Fulton - Gilmore
Moore - Drew
Sculthorpe - Grix

I realise we have younger players like Wood and McNally but others have left also. This picture also depends on Whatuira's ability to play for us given his problems and Faiumu getting a visa given the court case. I think with the loss of Sculthorpe to the Bulls we are weaker for it and we really do need a further prop. I realise others can step up including Raleigh and Fa'alogo but if the aim is for a thicker squad with more options I think they are needed elsewhere in the pack. We have lost some size in the squad with the loss of Sculthorpe and I would really like that to be addressed given I think we have bought all the halves/hookers we are going to need.

What do people think?

I would agree that we perhaps look a tad lighter up front. Being optimistic though I think it's possible Crabtree's experience in the National Squad will give him more confidence and make him a better player. I also think that Raleigh could well be in the process of getting some meat on him with a view to playing more of a props role and Patrick also will be eating his greens at the moment with a view to trying to get himself some more games.

Luck with injuries will also play a part in our season but this is the case for every side.

l tend to agree, we will undoubtably pick up injuries, so l think our success next season, will depend on the youngsters. it is a great opportunity for them, but can they step up tp the mark.
There is a lot of quality in the side, but only 17 truly experianced, 3 or 4 injuries together and we could be struggling, we certainly don´t look as strong in the forwards, the questions re Fiamu, and Watiura, will also be crucial.
All said, l am still very optimistic, l am sure at least one of the yougsters will surprise us, and l am looking for Cudjoe, Lawrence, and Lunt, to make a real impact on Super League.
predictions :
5th
cup semies
win our first playoff game

We may still have a little space on the salary cap front for another prop as well. It would seem that we did want Sculthorpe but my guess would be that we were simply not prepared to match the high wages it would seem he is was on at Wakefield. With Burgess moving on and Sculthorpe previously saying he wanted to stay I reckon Bradford simply out bidded us for his services.
I agree with a lot of what is said about our youngsters having to step up but am still optimistic about this coming season.

Aye, I dare say we were outbid for him.

Maybe if Fooey doesn't return we'll see a prop come. Not sure of where we're at in terms of quota players TBH.

I would say gilmour is thicker than fulton, but drew, grix and fa'alogo should be a lot more intelligent than what they replaced

Sandy, please expand on this, l don´t understand

That was my first thought when i read the thread title.
Stronger, more balanced, yes but thicker no.

League weekly is reported today as saying that Huddersfield will be announcing the signing of Graeme Horne in the next couple of days.

Not sure just how true this is or if true what benefit Horne will be to the side although he does offer cover in several postions.

That woud have to be the reason. As there are so many players looking for a contract he would probaby be good value for money.