I still think we should have moved heaven and earth to sign Luke Gale but that's an entirely different conversation!

Now that we have a stronger performing pack, he looks to be approaching his best form. He was bad in the first half an hour, but was outstanding after that. He's been under appreciated for years IMO, and will be very hard to replace. If you look at the halves that have emerged since, only Williams and Eastmond have looked to have the all round skills McGuire has.

He was as bad in the first half as he was good in the second. With his pace declining, he relies more and more on his organising skills which have never really been the strongest point. There is still enough there for him to be vital this year, and as back up next year, but we do need to sign a really good organiser next season, unless of course Lilley is given a chance to show his skills this year at the top level.

George Williams knocked on, threw a ball into touch and passed to Ablett twice all in 2nd half.

Does he offer anything? Should he retire too?

Danny is playing more of an organising and game management role which is a great testament to the way hes adapted his game over the years as his pace has faded away. He still offers moments of class as the pass to Watkins showed and we are a far better team when he plays.

One of the greatest players we have ever seen in the history of our club so lets enjoy him while it lasts.

I think he would have been instrumental in us winning a fourth Grand final in a row ,but for that terrible injury he suffered against Wigan in 2010. He was at the peak of his career imo at that time

McGuire is performing as you'd expect for an old HB with injury issues who hasn't had to be a play maker or captain until the end of his career.
The fact is he should really have been supported by the type of 7 we have all been asking for but seem unable (or unwilling ) to sign given Lilley seems to not be given the shirt to grow into like Golding.

The transfer/change of key roles has again be left last minute to the point we are using a centre as first choice HB. I don't know how long McGuire and Burrow's contracts run for but the fact is next year we now need to find a new 6&7 from slim pickings,with Lilley as back up. That won't be easy and won't be a steady transition.

Who is available? who is likely to come given GH and his spending or lack thereof?.

Take this however you want, but was talking to a board member who said McGuire is retiring at the end of the year, and we've got a pre-agreement with Widdop.

He also said the board wanted to replace BMc in the summer, but the (Australian) coaches they'd targeted wanted too much money.

When you say Summer does that mean half way though this season ?

Sorry, it meant at the end of last season. Should have said autumn.

Thanks

widdop was very good this morning. kicked some cracking goals too