I wouldn't have renewed Houghton's contract .

Houghtons extra year triggered by him then. Well done whoever designed that.

If we were keeping a utility quota player, I’d have gone for Smith. Lovodua probably cheaper though I imagine.
As he’s here, play him at hooker please.

Is Dwyer only a year as he’s off somewhere else year after next?

Quite happy with the Dwyer signing. He's a clear upgrade on Johnstone.

Out
(Josh Reynolds)
(Josh Bowden)
Manu Ma'u
Jordan Johnstone

In
Jake Trueman
Tex Hoy
Liam Sutcliffe
Brad Dwyer

The next signing is key. If we can bring in an experienced second rower the recruitment looks promising for next year.

Hopefully a few more (Shaul, Taylor, Gale, Griffin) added to that Out list.

Agree.

If Houghton had another year in his favour than there's nothing the club can do about it.

Dwyer offers something we have lacked for years at dummy half so I'm ok with that plus it's a 1 year deal.

Balmforth should be ready to play next season after having a full pre-season to sort his conditioning out.

Lovodua will be a utility player because we will have the usual nightmare with injuries.

We really need a fresh start next season so Lovodua to start at 9 with Dwyer off the bench.

Nor would I but it was Houghton's choice.

A 34 year who is in decline with too many miles on the clock gets to decide if he wants to carry on

Is he only on an initial 12 month deal?

The Houghton extension clause should've been in the clubs favour. Doesn't sound like it was.

Reading the press release don't think we'll see much of Lovodua at 9.

With Trueman likely to be out early season I can see Lovodua challenging McNamara for the half back slot.

Not great.

The whole release is a bit oddly worded. It says they are all contracted until at least 2023 but doesn't explicitly state Dwyers contract length.
Not entirely sold on Dwyer but at least he's a bit different to our current options and I'll reserve judgement until he's actually played for us.
4 hookers may seem a lot but given an injury nightmare seems to be an annual occurrence these days I'm sure they'll all get a game!