Tbf we only have two permanent wingers too. Is DFJ and Blackmore injured?

Blackmore had a knock vs Fax but couldn't be replaced. DFJ had a knock before the Batley game and didn't look himself at all and had a poor game. Suspect he's not right.

We did go in very light indeed in the backs this season with no cover whatsoever for centre and wing. So it's unsurprising given the budget that it's there we have to find cover with loans.

On the wider point I think the elite clubs are increasingly using dual reg and loans and championship clubs don't have the budget to resist. It does devalue the competition but this has been happening by stealth for some years, it seems we've caught a lot of criticism but I suspect others before us have done exactly the same. Having a reserves and academy means that some criticism is merited - what's the point if there are no backs ready to cover apart from Myers but it does depend on where those players are in their development. It's be good to here the rationale from someone at the club.

Your right Bullseye. It was only a couple of years ago that Fev were getting so much flak for having Rhinos players.

We don’t have a moneyman backer or a business man like Andy Mazey (Rochdale and Swinton). So we do have to budget accordingly. So if loans and DR cover our shortfall then needs must obviously. Until our academy lads are ready if course. But instead of loaning folk like Butler, why aren’t we giving Green a go? Him, Myers and Flanagan JR look like the next ones to play first team (I’d like to see Camden too). Wallace was an unused sub the other week. Could have give Green that spot for some gametime.

The backs I can understand the loans as we came in with 2 centre (plus Myers) and 2 wingers (no real academy back up).

Think Green's had a knock too recently remember something about a thumb injury. Take the point though about the forwards.

Ah that makes sense then. I know I heard and interview regarding Ho and Dunning said it was a case of IF he came back and not when so out of the young lads only Green and Ho looked anywhere near first team. So losing Ho is a bit of a bummer on the development side of things.

This is bringing into focus the role of the Reserve team. We are indeed very light on first team outside backs, but the reserve squad, as listed on the club website, has a players like Adams, Banham, Barrett, Horner and Walker amongst their number. All of these appear to be centres or wingers. They are listed as Reserves, not Academy players. In addition we have two wingers whose contract status is a little obscure, Mackenzie Scurr and the Fijian chap who’s name I can’t spell.
Are none of these guys ready to provide cover in the First Team?

I remember this interview and feeling surprised that the interviewer didn’t push Dunning further on this. It’s a heck of a thing for a coach to slip into the conversation, almost as an afterthought, that he feels it’s a question of “if rather than when” a player is going to return from injury. It was obviously an extremely serious injury and I hope Ho is going to be ok. Whether or not we ever hear any more or not, remains to be seen.

Everyone seems to have forgotten Max Clarke was sent on loan to Doncaster. Remember him??!!

I heard he’d taken a break from rugby for personal reasons. Wasn’t his contract up in May in any case?

This kind of player turnover is reminiscent of the Centenary Season or even worse....2017