I'd rather we did it this way - be proactive & get a cheap backup hooker in now, have him training with the squad getting to know our plays and what not, with them ready to fill in at the drop of a hat.



The other option you mentioned is doable, and we've done that in the past, but isn't that effective IMO. How long would this loanee they take to get up to speed, are they any good, how quickly can they get here.

One word that seems to be popping on here a lot is 'depth', seems to be a major talking point when describing the squad. I wonder if after another poor season will we all be hearing about the lack of real quality players brought into the squad?

I think that problem exists now tbh. Too much depth and not enough quality. Too may FBS, Too many Wingers and not one world class player

Because on paper our first choice 17 has been good year after year. But injuries, fatigue and general lack of competition has seen us fade into obscurity after showing promise.



We have strengthened the one area that we were really lacking, signed a top class back rower who should add a bit of steel to a pack that at times last season seemed to be just 4 guys standing and watching Ellis and Westerman do all the work, and added some speed in the back line.



It's obvious that the club is changing its approach and putting more emphasis on youth development. But if your club is happy to carry on with 5 Aussies in 5 Aussies out every season then I'm not going to complain.

Do you not consider Ellis to be world class? He's not what he was 5 years ago, but if he hadn't retired from internationals he would still be one of the first names on the team sheet.



Besides how many world class players are knocking about Super league these days?

Can only see him being as successful as 2014's last minute 'bargain bucket' signing Liam Colbon but hope to be proved wrong!

I think many will disagree with on the first point.



If we had signed a player of Howarth standard we would have criticized left right and centre from fans of FC, just another average signing blocking a young kids path. Well now it's happened in the case with young Cunningham who gained plenty of SL experience last season and should be all the better for it.

You have. You've signed a total unknown and a huge gamble. Boudebza.

Yes but we only had one recognised hooker.

Yes I do but in that instance I was talking about FBs and wingers

Fair enough. I think Lineham could be world class, but injuries have really hampered his progress. I hope he can stay healthy this year.

sounds like our 2015 version of Colbon

Do we really need a second rate utility squad player as a back up hooker? Sounds like Radford doesn't rate Cunningham at all

Big mistake letting Heremaia leave.

Noble didn't rate him, not Salford. When it was time for him to come back he found himself fourth choice HB so we flogged him for good money. Would I have him instead of Chase, Dobson or Fages? No. Doesn't mean we don't rate him though.



As for Howarth, he's a very average player. He'll do a job for you, as long as you don't ask too much in the job description. If all he's going to be is back-up then fair play. He should be nowhere near a regular shirt. I was beginning to think we'd have the costliest water carrier in the Competition this year, but thankfully his slow delivery of water bottles will be your problem this season and not ours.

How would you have stopped him leaving?

He will be taking twice as much out of the cap as Cunningham and Howarth put together and put his fare share of poor performances in last season.

So why not try and get Lunt?

Just one little flaw in your trolling plan - Haworth has signed as 3rd choice AFTER Cunningham. HTH.

Jesus, you're a right little bundle of optimism aren't you? He'll be 3rd choice, after Cunningham we have nothing in that position of note at any level.

Do you really believe that?

It amazes me that you don't, but then that doesn't suit your agenda, does it?

Weird signing this. Apart from the fact that Howarth, from what I've seen has looked like an average Championship player, what kind of message is this sending to Cunningham. I could easily be wrong but I imagine this now makes Cunningham third choice in Radford's plans?

He's 3rd choice. Is it that difficult to understand? We've been looking for one since October, but nobody wanted to come and be that 3rd choice, it now looks like Radford's found him.

Cheers Lee.

I wish we could have held on to Azza.

I liked him too. But howarth n Cunningham combined on about half his money. Which was needed elsewhere