I appreciate the point to a certain extent, it is a harder sell by reputation. I disagree about the Rovers signings, they have managed it where we have failed. I would have Vella over Cusack in a heartbeat, and I'd be inclined for Newton or Galea ahead of Fitzgibbon.

We also don't seem to trade off our previous signings much. Even if the area has a bad reputation, this doesn't mean the club can't have a good one. ATEOTD, we're only a short trip along the motorway or even less time by train from other major cities, hardly isolated from civilisation. Get this point across, have former players singing our praises, and pay the going rate and we should be a destination prospective imports should favour.

thought these pages where for rumours an not discussions????

I see what you are saying with Vella, Newton and Galea but they didn't come with the reputations we appear to be requiring or chasing at the moment.

Both Cusack and Fitzgibbon are more well known, don't get me wrong I am not saying that is the right way to do things and yes the other way for Rover's has paid off, but it might not have done.

Not saying we are isolated and agree we are only a short trip away it still doesn't take away the reputation of the area they would be living in, rightly or wrongly!

Both, can't have one without the other.

Thing is though money talks at the end of it all.

If we put big enough/good enough offers to players that are top drawer then I think we would at least stand a chance but based on previous years and losing out to other SL clubs it would seem we don't offer a good enough deal/package.

It seems we may have a problem with the allocation of the salary cap and maybe we pay over the odds for the average players we have leaving us less for the top dollar players?

It still not always true though, I am aware of a number of what you call top drawer players both English and Aussie who have been offered more to come to us but for some reason they have still opted for other clubs, obviously a certain Dobbins S/H not included in that statement.

But to name but one Lee Gilmour!!

http://www../news_2063-fiv ... rston.html Got to be worth having a dig at getting Thurston...

http://www../news_2063-fiv ... rston.html Got to be worth having a dig at getting Thurston...

Vella has 5 Australia caps and 7 NSW appearances, not sure what Cusack has over him.

And Newton was a reigning GF winner who Crocker offered to take a pay cut for to keep him at the club, Rovers signing him from probably the best team in the world at that point. Yes, Fitzgibbon's past glories are more impressive, but Newton is by no means an unknown and came in his prime.

As I say though, Rovers have managed it. Also, the likes of Huddersfield, Salford, Castleford, etc (don't mean to single out a few, most of SL applies) have all managed to attract good, younger imports than we have. Hull is no different to many of them as a place and it's up to the recruitment staff to make that point. Just point them in the direction of people who have actually lived here and enjoyed it, such people do exist. IMO, the only 2 clubs who have a significant advantage for attracting players in terms of location are Harlequins and Catalans. The rest are all pretty even, and it will come down to the usual 3 priorities of trophies, money, and who they'll be playing with/for.

Cusack is certainly no more well known than Vella!

The minutes go to every member of the Disabled Group plus the Club and the SMC get a copy. When I receive mine (usually a week before the next meeting) I will gladly let anyone have a copy or you can speak to our chairman Mr John Ranby for a copy.