Just wondering with Bateman now gone that presumably frees
Up some space under the salary cap meaning there is room to bring in another player.
To be honest we seem to have cover in all areas as it stands but which position would u like to
See strengthened if there is now extra space under the cap?

We are after a centre from Newcastle,but we are not the only ones

another prop with frontline experience. you need a good defence and some go forward up the middle before worrying about the fringes.

Just because Bateman has left, doesn't necessarily mean space on the cap, or at least not a lot.

It seems it's been on the cards for a while, as Franny mentioned somewhere that Bateman's departure was in mind when they signed Winterstein. Since the Winterstein rumour started ages ago, it's logical to assume the Bateman departure has been expected for a while too. With that in mind, the signings of Winterstein and Henry may have used Bateman's cap space.

Pure guesswork though, and it may not be the case, it may in fact be we have space.

I wonder if Matt Cook is worth a place in the squad. The only place we are really lacking in cover is prop. A couple of injuries there and we're looking at moving players. Cook has been playing prop for at least the last 12 months for London and would count as home grown. Certainly not the best player in the league and not someone who we would want as a first choice, but as a backup squad player in case of injuries, he may be worth a go considering he wouldn't likely command a large wage.


Edit: Ignore previous part, Cummins pretty much says there is room for further signings in this morning's T&A piece.

If that's the case I hope it's either Dane Gagai or (more promising) Joseph Leilua.

Why would we sign another centre? No logic to that at all, Roger has been wrong far too many times now for me to take him seriously anymore.
We've barely shifted 3000 STs, we're still only on half the sky money, and you guys think we honestly have the cash to bring in someone like Leilua? Come on, get real guys.

Because Matty Blythe is the best one we have and after him, we're not strong. Purtell is crap, Adam Henry is an unknown quantity at the moment, Gaskell is a Stand Off, and then you're looking at young lads like Wood or back rowers like Chev.

I could completely understand signing a centre if a good one is available and affordable.

What about making a move for Ben Hellewell from Featherstone?

I thought he showed up well for Scotland yesterday, and would obviously count as 'home grown' too

Jean Philippe-Baile please!

Maybe I should ask Santa on behalf of Cummins...

This.

How can we possibly afford the squad we've got on 2300 season tickets and half the sky money - never mind bringing in anyone else?

Not saying I agree or disagree but, you only need to find the money for him for the 1st season (2014) as after that we double our sky money which will help towards further years wages bill. Another good player this season would (hopefully) help improve the chances of play off rugby at the season end and that should also increase the season ticket demand for 2015 to also help for future years. Hope that makes sense.

We have Blythe, Purtell and Henry fighting for starting positions. Whether you think they are 'unknown' or 'crap' is irrelevant. Those are the players we have.

In the reports when we signed both Gaskell and Winterstein, it was specifically mentioned that they can both play centre, so FC clearly sees them as backup. I think you can throw Sam Wood and Luke George into this category too.

So that leaves us with a total of 7 players who can play centre to some degree. That is plenty imo, and whilst I would love to see Leilua in a Bulls shirt next season, splashing the cash on a flair player is not a luxury we can afford right now.