Ryan Hall IS the 2nd rower that's replacing Martin.

Macdonnell starts aswell, i don’t think we’ll get a second rower

Could be that Jenkins is the powerful, mobile second rower we all want.
And then we go for Liam Byrne along with Palasia in the front row.
That would mean Holroyd and Sangare are 5th and 6th props.
I'd be very happy with that business.

Just need to bring in Cleary for Frawley now and we have our goal kicker.....

I thought 'project signings' were a red line for some posters in judging the quality of our recruitment?

It's okay though, we're getting into the 'optimistic' stage of the annual Leed Rhinos cycle. Most new signings are assumed to be significant upgrades at this point in the year (Frawley aside).

Expectation is gradually rebuilding itself, but is there really more of a sound basis than in the past? If you are a glass half full person these look like promising signings (as we were assured Momirovski was by the NRL experts last year). But there is an obvious element of risk if deficiencies like form, past injuries and level of experience are not adequately addressed. Maybe we are expecting Arthur to do more with 'projects' than Smith, which may be fair, but ultimately this could still be Achurch & Vuniyayawa Mk2. Same goes for 'Jake the Snake' if he signs.

Totally agree.
All signings from down under are a risk.
Momirovski and Tetevano were both high quality, high pedigree signings on paper.
Doesn't always work out.
And then some people call it awful recruitment.

They are two big bodies, thats already an upgeade from last season.

I wouldn’t class palasia as a project signing either

Vuniyayawa did well for Salford after he left us.

64ft and only 17 stone?. That's one anorexic prop

His other measurements are equally surprising....I hear.

I'll take your word for it

Sangare is a big body but that's all I can say in his favour.

Reminds me of Chris feather.

And there’s gonna be a good few Rhinos “rejects” picking up either winners or losers rings at Old Trafford on Saturday.

I was told last night that Holroyd could be done and may not play again.
Not definitive yet but on the cards

Interesting, Blease did say last night that having Gannon and Holroyd back will be like two new signings, ad that he tried to sign Holroyd at Salford a couple of times!

I see we aren't even signing Aussie players who played in NRL - how low can we go!!

He will very cheap so a silver lining for GH

Don't ever change will you

That's the reality of the vast gap in wages between the NRL and SL. Just about every club is doing it. I remember people pouring scorn on Jai Field, who was in the low single figures in NRL appearances, when were chasing him a few years ago. Safe to say people were very wrong. Iapape at Leigh has never played a game in the NRL, yet he's been outstanding. I'm not saying it's the way forward for every recruit, but nowadays there has to be a balance. If you haven't already seen it, I would recommend watching the state championship GF. He looked like a good player to me. Arthur seemed very keen on him as Blease noted that he was paranoid that we hadn't been gazumped on Monday morning.

Can't really agree with this. Palasia came off the bench for Brisbane in last years Grand Final.

3 clubs came in for him after Sundays final, we had already signed him.

Yep. He did two twenty minute stints in hot conditions, carried the ball hard and through the line, didn't miss a tackle or drop a ball, and his dummy running (unlike Sangare and Lisone) was full of purpose. Admittedly just one game, but a lot to like.

My point is he isn't 18/19 he is 23 and still hasn't played even one game in the NRL. Newcastle are hardly Penrith - if he can't get a game there how good is he?

The difference in standard between the two leagues is significant so he may well go well here.

Field was always thought to be potentially the best player in the league when he came - IIRC he got injured pre-season and didn't in his first year.

Arthur must see something in him - fingers crossed

Cas, Wakey and London?

No three NRL clubs

From him to play in the reserve comp?