I think they are, I'm not saying we can't beat them on a one off, but they are a better side than us this season IMO (Even at full strength).

Mini close to agreeing new deal, according to Humberside.

Really hope so. Goes without saying the extent to which he is a role model for younger players but more importantly he's still got it on the pitch.

Has he though? Been decent for the last month, poor before that. Need more from a starter, especially a quota one. Hopefully he carries on this rise in form till end of season.

Yes I think he his, even an out of form Mini as been better than our second row replacements, and like you say, hes been good over the past month or so

Personally I'd be looking at replacing him, but I suppose that depends on who is available (Which the club has more of a clue that me) and what happens with Manu.

Great news especially if rumour is true about Manu going home, need some experience in the back row

Unless anyone is available that is an improvement on Mini then its a sensible move to re sign him, for me he is the ultimate pro both on and off the field (even better than Fitz) and from what is said by younger players is a very good mentor.
To be fair he wasn't playing great early season but then again nobody else was either hence the stuttering start after Aus. His performances have improved though as season has prgressed and since we got hit with the injury situation he has been consistent and playing well. So as long as he can continue that for the remainder of the season and he & the club think his body and fitness can do a another season then I'm ok with that.

He's not making the impact that he was a couple of seasons back due to age catching up a bit, but he's still managing to stay fit and has shown decent form recently. Worth a 1-year extension on a reduced deal I'd have thought, especially if Manu is leaving as rumoured, as replacing both in one season (although we have signed Westy) would be pretty much impossible.

Overall, I think we're in a really good situation right now regarding recruitment & retention. We're not carrying any deadwood in the squad, there's nobody in there who you think "yeh, I'd get rid of him". Only having to make slight tweaks to the squad year on year is an enviable place to be.

So if Manu is going then we need a backrower and we have a quota spot.

I thought we'd be in for Greenwood but he's Wigan bound. Josh Jones' name gets mentioned a lot. If we get an English backrow then where would we look to strengthen with a quota place?