Lovegrove is a surprise package for me. I think he developed really well into a front rower last season. Good size and speed. I expect him to be one of your better players in 2010 too.

Guess each side needs a blend. We've been hugely lacking in impact players over the last few seasons so have made additions like Moa and Lauaki. I dont think we would have needed a lovegrove with us already having big units like Cusack up front, would have been too similar.

I would question though whether your front row is strong enough and diverse enough for 2010?

The Goroka Gene-ius wrote:He made 14 appearances, compared to Lovegrove's 16. He made 987 metres, compared to Rhys' 1822. http://www.superleague.co.uk/statistics_player.php?hs1=2009&hp1=2277&hs2=2009&hp2=2867&stat=tries&season=2009 I don't know about mins on the pitch, I suspect Lovegrove's to be significantly higher than Moa's. Thats very impressive, as you say, Lovegrove spent more time on the pitch but that wouldnt account for double the yards.

The Goroka Gene-ius wrote:He made 14 appearances, compared to Lovegrove's 16. He made 987 metres, compared to Rhys' 1822. http://www.superleague.co.uk/statistics_player.php?hs1=2009&hp1=2277&hs2=2009&hp2=2867&stat=tries&season=2009 I don't know about mins on the pitch, I suspect Lovegrove's to be significantly higher than Moa's. Thats very impressive, as you say, Lovegrove spent more time on the pitch but that wouldnt account for double the yards.

maybe why they are trying for Clinton. Lovegrove has been a solid performer for us when fit and has the added ability to slot in the second row or in the centres should the need arise. Morgan plays a different game to Agar, each coach has their own ideas on how a squad should be built, so far Morgan has done well, with one or two crap signings, but in the main he has signed well. I think Lovegrove could well prove to be a top prop over the next few seasons, which is great considering his age.

We will see a dramatic change in our squad over the next two seasons or so when the likes of Cooke, Galea, Vella and Webster leave and if we can keep the young ones like Lovegrove I am sure we will maintain our progress towards more youngsters coming through either from our set up or from other clubs.

Indeed, which is why i've questioned before the fact that if his signing doesnt happen are you short up front?

I agree, but if we don't get him I think they will have made some contingencies, maybe during the season as the money will still be available.

My own eyes.
Moa was in the stiffs most of the season and had a couple of decent games towards the end of the season.

Wheeldon was extremely consistant once he got his chance and Lovegrove barring injury would have been in the running for Rovers player of the year.
Its not rocket science.

Mrs Barista wrote:Give it up. You challenged whether Cooke's salary had been reported anywhere, and were given two publications. Whether you believe Cooke earns £125,000 a year or not is another point entirely. It has been reported, hence the use of "reportedly" in the orignal post. Here's another one for you, in the national press this time: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/147 ... -Crusaders Also, the HDM is categorical in what Cooke is being paid - no reference to "understands that" or "reportedly", just stating it as a fact: "Cooke has one year remaining on his contract at Craven Park, where he is one of the top earners on £125,000 per year. Honestly, as a journalist you really need to keep up with the widely reported story of Rovers trying to offload one of their most expensive players. You need to give it up because if both those publications have quoted that figure then it makes them both wrong.

Mrs Barista wrote:Give it up. You challenged whether Cooke's salary had been reported anywhere, and were given two publications. Whether you believe Cooke earns £125,000 a year or not is another point entirely. It has been reported, hence the use of "reportedly" in the orignal post. Here's another one for you, in the national press this time: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/147 ... -Crusaders Also, the HDM is categorical in what Cooke is being paid - no reference to "understands that" or "reportedly", just stating it as a fact: "Cooke has one year remaining on his contract at Craven Park, where he is one of the top earners on £125,000 per year. Honestly, as a journalist you really need to keep up with the widely reported story of Rovers trying to offload one of their most expensive players. You need to give it up because if both those publications have quoted that figure then it makes them both wrong.

Fair enough. FWIW Moa had more than a couple of decent games and he was only ever 50% fit. There's good reason that Morgs made an approach for him. (even though it's denied by Rovers)

Who was the Reserve Team player of the year at Hull last season.
I will give you a clue.
It wasnt Tuffour,Lynne or Briscoe.
All 3 of which are not ready to be pitched in at SL level yet IMO.
Its my opinion dont get upset because it differs to yours

Tony Smith differs from you.