For me the weaker positions are Chamberlains and Briscoes. Briscoe will hopefully (cos he's finished) be understudy to Martin so if we get Cross he would be first choice ahead of Chamberlain so in improvement imo

[quote="Steve0":1w7fjcgrAlways sceptical of highlight reels after seeing Pele, Okunbor and Bieneks, but looking at Cross' from 2024, he does have good footwork and is a good finisher'"

[quote="Jake the Peg":2i3q27pjmy only real issue with cross is that it will likely be a 2 or 3 year deal meaning we have him, hardaker and chamberlain here at least for 25 & 26, possibly 27 for 2 of them when none are really at the level of player we would ideally like. Centre is a key attacking position and along with 2nd row, one of our weaker areas which limits potential to improve there for another 3 or 4 years'"

It’s a tough one, however we are not going to go from 11th to Top 4 in a season. Think we all realistically expect 8th at best next season and then kick on from 2026. I think Cross will be a decent addition. There appears no scope to add top quality for 2025. As I’ve mentioned before, other than the halves, our Centres have been a real weakness in recent years. Primarily due to fitness, Carlos and Sutty hardly played together and the back up options were not Super League standard. Cross is a no risk upgrade. He’s played in the Super League and if he’s fit and can give us 20+ games next season, then that gives us some much needed stability and allows a more settled team which in turn should deliver improved results. I’m sure they’ll be a review if all contracts during 2025. Although not ideal, we now have more funds to move on players if necessary to improve the squad further for 2026.

[quote="Rugby Raider":2g6xkl92It’s a tough one, however we are not going to go from 11th to Top 4 in a season. Think we all realistically expect 8th at best next season and then kick on from 2026. I think Cross will be a decent addition. There appears no scope to add top quality for 2025. As I’ve mentioned before, other than the halves, our Centres have been a real weakness in recent years. Primarily due to fitness, Carlos and Sutty hardly played together and the back up options were not Super League standard. Cross is a no risk upgrade. He’s played in the Super League and if he’s fit and can give us 20+ games next season, then that gives us some much needed stability and allows a more settled team which in turn should deliver improved results. I’m sure they’ll be a review if all contracts during 2025. Although not ideal, we now have more funds to move on players if necessary to improve the squad further for 2026.'"