Widdop doesn't sound too keen to leave Aus according to the NRL website news story - contracted until 2017 over there and playing well

It would appear from the previous 13.5 pages no-one has any confidence in our youth set up, nobody good enough to come through so we don't have to make at least half a dozen signings (the figure that seems to be bandied around)?

For me a top quality hooker is the most important position we need to change, followed by a bad mother loving prop, someone brutal and uncompromising. In known circles there aren't many, none OOC, wonder if it's worth someone trawling the union scene in the lower divisions?

That said I think we need to hang onto Green, he was knocking on the door of the Knights in 2013 but has gone off a bit since then but is still only 25
Bowden is only 23 and is doing ok, we have some relatively young props when you think about it (Watts 25) plus we have BTW (21) add in Paea if he's staying + Ellis if he moves there that's not the worst but certainly not the greatest, we need at the bare minimum 6 props in the squad.

Green and Bowden haven't progressed at all and lack aggression. I think Feka has been a shadow of the player he was when he made his debut last year (though not helped by lack of game time) so that leaves us with Paea (if he stays) Watts who's inconsistent and a 2nd rower turned in to a prop. I think overall we have big issues in the pack unless signings are made, I agree a top hooker is also a big priority though.

I don't think it's a lack of faith exactly, just that we don't necessarily have good prospects in some of the positions where we need to strengthen. Hooker is an example. On the other hand we seem to have two promising halves for the first time I can recall. Swings and roundabouts I guess.

only thing about using the youth is, they have to be ready for the step up. if not, you do more bad then good. so sometimes its better to bring in experience players, give the youth more time and someone to learn from

Got to remember that our u19's are actually mostly u18's. The gap between Bowden & Green to the likes of Logan, Lancaster etc. highlight the chronic lack of investment in the academy Pearson alluded to when he took over. There's only really BTW.
Hooker is an area we definitely will need to invest in, as there's nothing (even at 16's) coming through.

I have been impressed with Cunningham, I just wish that Radford would give him more gametime, than his token 15 minutes, Brad Parker looked good when he was younger, but haven't heard much of him recently.

im with you on that one, he hasn't looked out of place when on and without being spectacular he's done the right things well. It will give Houghton more rest time to keep him fresh and on his toes, which a fresh Houghton can only be a good thing for us

Have said before I like the look of Cunningham and IMO could turn out a gud un

Have said before I like the look of Cunningham and IMO could turn out a gud un