It was definitely Agar and I agree with you - he's a cracking player and I'd like to see us retain him.



I'm hopeful that in the off-season, starting from the same place as everyone else and with the NM approval to wave under their noses, we can strengthen the squad with a good mixture of our own young players coming through into the 1st team and a few strategic signings; I'd be disappointed if we end up with the same number of overseas players as we currently have - that's not progress.

Official perhaps, but I know Aiton was the first he wanted even if the actual signature wasn't the first. Was that really worth checking

Took all of 5 minutes, somet to do whilst eating my snap!



I know that he targeted him from the off and he has certainly picked a good one there. Problem is the balance of our squad isn't quite right for me, too many back rowers and hookers of a similar style and not enough grunt up from and organisation at halfback. With most of the players under contract there is going to have to be some serious wheeling and dealing if we are to rectify it for next season.

This is bang on, Bren.

For the past 6 years we have looke to be vunerable as regards SL and when NM gets the nod, we will have the stability that the club needs to move forward.

This will certainly give the powers that be at Wakefield a far graeter "pull" when they are trying to recruit good players.

We have been in a catch 22 situation. Cant attract the right players without stability and/or SL status and without the right calibre of player it is a struggle to progress.

Hopefully there will be good news in a few weeks time

Being picky here but is it not 2 year?

Quote mwildcats="mwildcats"Being picky here but is it not 2 year?'" Seems so www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/de ... ie-mathers

Quote mwildcats="mwildcats"Being picky here but is it not 2 year?'" Seems so www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/de ... ie-mathers

Contract extensions for younger players are to be applauded, surely that fits in with the supposed ethos of the club, to nurture homegrown players.

If it's correct that the above players were the only ones signed prior to the arrival of RA, then the business about this not being 'his squad' ie players he wanted to sign, doesn't wash with me. Of the above, so far, I would only question the signing of Southern and Mellars. What other SL coach couldn't work with Lautiti, Fox, Ellis and Wilkes?

Not all if that's the case, makes little difference I fear - if he keeps this form going someone will spot him sooner rather than later.

Agreed. To be honest I was happy with Southerns signing as well but we just haven't seen the best of him yet. I'm still backing him to come good when his personal matters have settled down and he is played in his true position.

the Southern thread is worn out, but the fact remains, so long to "settle" is dead money as is players arriving with niggling injuries.

His wife was pregnant before they arrived so this is bad planning all round.

Aiton has showed you don't need a season to settle. Maybe it's a case of a get out clause in contracts being introduced.

Don't think it is as much not his squad, as much as the balance of the squad is wrong.

Shown that SOME don't need a season to settle. Both Pat Richards and King were on their way home becasue they struggled to settle. Both clubs stuck with them and they turned out to be stars.

There are more that find it difficult in my opinion than don't. It's just the level of expectation that makes you focus on particular players.

This.

Agree, there's no one rule first all when it comes to settling.

I think the problem is we tend to or probably have to go for the players with baggage (awfull term sorry).



There are always likely to be issues with a married player especially one with a young family - as opposed to a young bloke with few ties. Clinton, Tronc and now Southern (supposedly) - it's always a risk I'm afraid.



Also Queensland based players seem to struggle more than Sydney based players. Having lived in Sydney I know it has seasons, can be cold and changeable so maybe the UK climate is not such a shock - who knows but it's a recurring problem. What I do believe is that although Wakey is not San Tropez it sure as hell beats Hull, Bradford and Cas to name a few others as a place to live, so it's not the City itself.