That shirt was Batemans. I think it was a panic to give it to Smithies. Don’t get me wrong I rate Smithies but he’s only 22 he’s still learning. I think he can be that player in time. I still think they can target this year however going in to next year we need to be more ruthless in signing and droppings. We have a good reputation in supporting players but if it’s not working the club need to realise we need to move on

We as a club cannot scout props, I reckon someone is looking at highlights reels and basing the props on them alone or they’re after another Feka, or an intimidating hard knock to act hard all game or something rather than a workhorse. I do think we have got lucky with Ellis rather than good scouting because his stats were terrible in the NRL, they’ve improved here because I think someone like Ellis will want to improve their game whereas someone like Mago goes through the motions and does whatever little he can get away with.



Depending on what’s happening with Coopers injury and next season whether he will be here or not should prompt the powers that be to take action. So if he isn’t here next year get him off the books, get rid of Mago asap on loan for the rest of the season and bring in a short term replacement from the NRL.

the quote isn't working this morning, but this



'I can't understand why we seem obsessed with project or second string NRL players, other clubs bring in experienced NRL players'



its interesting as there's a lot of minds on our board, who cite wigan getting joy out of project nrl players, rather than whatever we sign and should follow your recruitment model.



it does seem that on both sides, the grass is always greener.

cant believe nobody is discussing Singleton, - he's absolute gash



seems like Mago gets all the stick, which he deserves, just give Singleton his fair share too....

Completely agree on Singleton, brings absolutely nothing. Hopefully both him and Mago are off at the end of the season and we are bringing in 2 props that actually have size that can push this team forward. I am disappointed with Byrne too this season, he seems way off it compared to last year. Does anyone know if he's carrying an injury maybe?

We're crying out for a second rower too. Say what you want about Bateman, but he always made metres and we are missing that aspect of his game so much.

manual quote

"the quote isn't working this morning, but this



'I can't understand why we seem obsessed with project or second string NRL players, other clubs bring in experienced NRL players'



its interesting as there's a lot of minds on our board, who cite wigan getting joy out of project nrl players, rather than whatever we sign and should follow your recruitment model.



it does seem that on both sides, the grass is always greener. "



that initial line was mine - and I referring specially to forwards (props) we have done ok with backs, well mostly, but our recruitment of forwards (as cheery.pie illustrated in the post after mine) has been poor - for several years we have been deperate for an experienced battle hardened prop and not project/second string props who almost invariably have been disappointing. Not so much grass being greener but more like being on the wrong lawn altogether!