Unfortunately my impeccable source re Blackmore was wrong I wont make that mistake again look fwd to having a pint with you enjoy Ipswich !!

Add in to that Boyle as well, nothing spectacular but a good solid pro with some size, and our pack looks incredibly lightweight. If we are thinking of playing Fairbank,Morris, and Tangata as front rowers then it would be a mistake for mine as all 3 are not even that big for 2nd rowers and wont give us the punch we need.

Regards the negativity I don't think its negativity just obvious observations. Anyone who thinks we have not fallen behind the likes of Fev and Toulouse on paper when it comes to recruitment is deluded. Luckily games are not played on paper but it would take a monumental effort from the players we have to beat Fev, Toulouse, and London to a position in the top 4. FWIW I think we only really need a half back, hooker and a prop to put us in good shape so about 100k should do it. In all seriousness though Im not sure we will get those players from Cas, In Maher and Douglas we have probably the only props we will get off them. Douglas looks decent enough but jury will be out on Maher and with Hardaker messing up it also affects the chances of us getting a half off Cas as Roberts will probably move to full back. Trueman has potential but how would he go behind a pack not as dominant as Cas's?

We will be there or there abouts come the end of the season but unlike last season where I thought we might sneak in to the top 4 I feel this season we will just miss out. If the club can sustain the loss of 200K and make that up and then some for the season after then Im totally fine with having this season without speculating to accumulate.

Does anyone else have the feeling that with a new board and possibly some outstanding debts being called in that the club looks upon this season as a holding operation.
It seems money is tight and with a tranche of clubs (Fev , Leigh, London, Toronto and Toulouse) who seem to have money to burn possibly the thought in the boardroom is that top four may be out of reach this year. With this in mind perhaps some money is being put aside to have a tilt at a more realistic attempt of top four prize money next year.
I am sure we will be competitive and will hopefully turn over a few of the above teams and that it will go down to the wire. Lets see some of the spirit that was shown in Toulouse last season. A great game and a great weekend. I am looking forward to an interesting season of Championship rugby.
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There’s a restructure next season and SL clubs are now running SL and Wood is gone. You can bet that the prize for gaining top 4 next season will not match this coming season’s prize. Especially if Toronto hit SL. There will be an almighty clang as the door shuts

Unfortunately, I think you are bang on here. That dreaded closed shop system of franchise is not far away and was probably escalated by Mr Hetherington et al after Leeds found themselvs in the middle 8's followed by Warrington the following season. That and the fact Toronto and Toulouse appear to be destined for the top flight, one way or the other, then this maybe why other clubs are throwing 'last chance saloon' money at this years middle 8's to be at the table before the door does 'clang' shut.

Agree 100% with what you say Dave,there is a meeting this coming Wednesday 10th Jan by the SL Clubs ,my prediction to discuss a 14 team SL then back to Franchises,we at Leigh are fortunate to have Derek, my opinion is we have a stronger squad this coming season then last year in SL, and as you say it could be last chance Saloon.

Happy New Year to both you and Di ,it will be great to be back at the Shay in a few weeks time,and hopefully seeing you both a few times in the coming season,I'm really looking forward to this season,it should be very entertaining,see ya soon.

New signing to be announced in the league express today according to twitter. 'Snared from a rival club'

The Halifax signing in the LE is Kian Morgan from Wakefield.

LE seem to be stretching it a bit saying "Snared from a rival club"? He was in Wakefield's academy last season, but from what I've seen he turned down a new contract with them, and hence was a "free agent" when he came on trial to us.

17 Year old full back,hardly what's needed is it,whatever the spin.

I assumed the "snared from a rival club" was a different story, the one about Batley in the running to sign Rochdale's Lewis Galbraith (though that's not reported as a done deal). There was nothing in the Express teaser which said that "snared from a rival club" story related to Halifax.

Never heard of him - not hugely knowledgeable about our academy but he's not on of the names that have been touted for success - sorry