If we want top 6 we need to add 2 experienced half backs, 2 centres (sorry Dalton), and more depth in pack.

The big advantage of the apparent signings to date is that recruitment can focus on quality over quantity. I get the impression last season it was a desperation to get enough numbers in and the hit rate on Championship level players wasn't great.

I guess Australia may be the source of a couple of key players, but the combination of part-time and London may be an issue (London probably a selling point to an Australian of course).

There is no returning player I'm unhappy to see back. Not all should be in the match day first choice 17 though.

From what I can tell, Will Blakemore was released from his two year contract after the Workington defeat.

Very reasonable summary of the needs. Re Dalton. As an aside what a nice, articulate guy he is. I wasn't aware until reading the press release that he is also a winger. So as a back-up to the centre and wing spots that's useful. He was obviously injured early season but after a slow (understandable) start has done a solid job and I'm not adverse to him covering for injured first choice players. Centre was probably the weakest part of the team last year, I wan't at all impressed with Ferreira. Thought Dalton was the better of those two.

Blakemore wasn’t the worst player but not sure what next steps were for him. I think he’s at Chinnor RU club (is that right?) so that’s probably a decent move to home - perhaps nearer home as well. Good luck to him.

Yes he does seem to be a likeable guy. I didn’t think much of his early form but if he was carrying a knock that may explain it. Also, let’s be fair, we were all over the shop. Players played out of position etc. Agreed it would be good to have real competition in his position.

[quote="Smithers99"]

I guess Australia may be the source of a couple of key players, but the combination of part-time and London may be an issue (London probably a selling point to an Australian of course).

On this I would have thought that any 2nd tier player from Aus/Nz would have a good old look at London before Batley, Halifax, Keighley etc. Whether that’s a good model to pursue I’m not sure but you have to use the advantage that you have so I tend to think the additional quality may come from the Southern Hemisphere but there are a few hardy souls willing to risk the £7 pints and kudos to them. Most sectors in London have a good sprinkling of people from other parts of the country it would be a shame if RL can’t attract a few down south.

[quote="BigTime"]

Attracting northern players down south has never been too much of a problem. The problem is a lot can't hack living in a big city & rarely stay long. They miss their: mums, girlfriends, mates & being a big fish in a small pond (delete as appropriate). You might think the North was thousands of miles away not just a few hours up the motorway.

What makes it stranger, is Union, Cricket & Football don't seem to have the same issues with their players.

...and those sports offer full time contracts, DC1. This Northern Monkey only endured black bogeys for a few months at a time if he was getting a good rub from it.

Would remind you Bongser we offered full time contracts up until this season & still no northerners show Rob Purdham's commitment to London or anything like it.

There are quite a few northerners playing p/t non league football & Union in & around South East so my point still stands.

I imagine Purdham was on a much better contract than anything we've offered in recent years.