I disagree as i think we need to concentrate on our own style of play in the backs, because quite frankly we will never compete with them in this department.



Its like reducing the quota, that is and will clearly harm our competition regards the standards but in needs to be done if we are ever going to get an acceptable pool of players from which to select.



Long term i agree 100% we have to work towards strengthening our own competition, but as a short term measure with all the restrictions that currently exist it is a quick fix and ensuring our players are prepared for the intensity the Aussies and Kiwis play.



We are constantly caught cold from the kick off against them as we have no idea how to deal with them till we get into the pace of the game, by which time it is usually too late.

Widdop is being tipped for an International call up sooner rather than later, he is young non quota and off contract.



We do not have a natural top standard fullback at the club in my opinion.



I appreciate he is an unknown quantity by us in the UK, but were our coach the man that helped develop him and more than likely knows his game in and out willing to bring him to the club I would be more than happy.



It cannot have been easy for him as a Brit to be named in the junior Australian Club team of the year and also score the match winning try in the Grand Final, lets be honest the lad is clearly talented. The fact that he is young and British are also real draws.

If Maguire is as good as it seems he may be. Im excited by how he will develop Phelps game, he was one of our best players last season, is clearly the best fb at the club and has some skill with ball in hand.



Why oh why people keep going on about the fullback position is beyond me.



Centre & Prop are two that come to mind as more pressing issues for the next couple of seasons.

The reason that i point out the availability of a fullback is that Phelps is on a 1 year deal, and we will have to fit the reduced quota for 2011. I think a Prop is a priority but he will come from overseas and take a quota spot, as will no doubt a centre if we need one.



I like Phelps but he needs to be a top player to earn a quota spot, if there is a young British alternative available and our coach deems him up to the standard allowing us to use quota spots on other areas we need to strengthen for the good of the team then he is in a vulnerable position.

Indeed. As I said earlier, although Phelp's is likeable and solid, we need our overseas recruits to be of a higher calibre and Phelps ain't no Garry Jack or Andrew Ettingshausen.

I am not writing him off, and think he is capable of earning a new deal, but he needs a big season and the length of his contract extension clearly shows the club feel the same.