Dave K. wrote:I don't think we are too bad in the pack, but one more would be good.

Props of Ese Ese, Sao, Ashworth and Aydin (with Fash and the 3 young props)

Backrow Cartwright, Holmes, Lane and Staveley (who can also play prop) along with Chamberlain and a few young kids.

One more would be nice, particularly if we can pull off Lam.

If not need to find a domestic forward, which isn't easy.

Certainly look stronger than this season.

Key is the likes of Fash and Lane, not been automatic picks.

HU8HFC wrote:Ive been thinking more about the recruitment we have completed to date over recent days and came to the following conclusions:

Pros:

One of the biggest has to be with Asiata, we have effectively gone from arguably the weakest 13 in the league arguably the best. It is a great signing and one that could have positive impacts off the pitch with his professionalism.


His signing has split opinions, but i do believe that Abdul is the 7 we have missed desperately this season. His fitness will be the talking point however I do feel that with a pre season under Cartwright he could be the player that guides us round the park in 2025.

There is much more experience within the squad as opposed to what we had at the start of this season, the likes of Hardaker, Holmes etc may have their best years behind them but i do believe they will improve us as a squad.

Cons:

I think the biggest concern for me is that we still look rather light in a host of positions, Centre, SR and prop are all areas we could do with bolstering. Should Lam not join (which i sadly don't expect him to) we will be either on the look-out for another Half or a Hooker. Thats an awful lot of work to do even after such a busy few months.

The second point, which follows the previous, is that Asiata and perhaps Abdul on his day aside, there is no real outstanding quality in the squad. As it stands, its a pretty average squad, which may be an improvement on the current crop, but how much longer can the faithful be patient to accept average (at best)? It would be naïve to expect our problems to vanish overnight, however i do think two top marquee signings (a SR and half back ideally) would help massively in taking the step from been average to being genuine top six contenders.

Overall i think its clear to see that hard work is going in by those behind the scenes. A lot of departures of the likes of Sutcliffe, Cator, Scott indicate there is still plenty of recruits to come, however i do think its vital that these are quality additions which will capture the attention and excitement of fans again.

Dave K. wrote:It's a different team recruiting, it's clear we are some pace at 1 or halfback, it's been mentioned many times by the media, we either get Lam or another halfback.

Cust is replacing Morgan Smith IMO, will play hooker and cover the halfback position.

The quota rules have changed too, making it easier this year to sign a halfback, last year we wouldn't have got a visa for the likes of Volkman and Hawkins, for next we would

Have alot more faith in Myler and Cartwight tha Clarke and Smith.

Steve0 wrote:overseas recruitment feels like a pipe dream currently, the only player we've managed to recruit from abroad is the coaches son

Jake the Peg wrote:No to opacic for me. We need a more attacking player

Steve0 wrote:overseas recruitment feels like a pipe dream currently, the only player we've managed to recruit from abroad is the coaches son

Marcus's Bicycle wrote:And that PNG full back who we binned. If that's the standard we are looking at it's a concern.

bonaire wrote:I think more concerning was the club thinking of using our two quota spots on a second tier full back and nine when we dont really need them and we are crying our for a Halfback,centre and front row/second row
Over to you Ritchie Rich for an explanation

Blackandwhitebigdog wrote:I'm sure Richie will take his time to reply to you and your opinion!