I personally think Martin is the only one that stays for next season. He’s been getting better in that past few weeks. With the money from Vuniyayawa, Hurrell, Mclelland and Briscoe, we could bring in a big name aus prop aswell as look further down the leagues. Plus bringing Johnson, Field, Sinfield into the ranks. I’d like us to go bring in a back and maybe Scurr and Parke.

I cant understand the king signing at all.
better players in the championship and he takes an overseas spot

Not sure about that plus he was only signed for a season.

I keep saying it a good prop is a must not a project prop.

We need 5 good quality props, and then can move into the ranks after that. We have Mik, Prior, Tet, Tommy the Tank, and then a gap. King hasn’t proven himself and honestly isn’t worth the O/S spot. We need to sign another good prop before we start talking about projects from Bradford or the like.

Props are one of the most likely to get injured, and you need 4 per game so 5 good ones is an absolute minimum.

For me if King was that prop then fine. I'm still not 100% ruling him out because he got knocked out again, we need to consider performance over time.

However if we was that good then he probably wouldn't be in a position to sign a 1 year deal in SL on a wing and a prayer - and we need to make a decision on this because that high-quality prop spot is important.

If everyone is fit it gives us options to let Prior or Tet sit back at 13 if needed too - although I think Cam Smith has been in good form when fit this year.

We need four up front who really take it to the opposition all game with no let-up. Once we sort this pack out, and we're almost there I think, then we can really turn attention to the back line. I don't think gaining field position has been our problem this season, it's been lack of ideas and decision making in good ball, and costly individual errors.

Another potential benefit Austin signing gives us is that we may be able to train 13 v 13 in pre-season: we have Gale, Sezer, Austin and Sinfield (assuming McLelland goes, he might not)... Opposed training is really useful and it's good for competition for places in first grade too.

I’ve actually like the look of King in terms of contact and defence, he looks handy. The issue for him is giving away completely needless penalties, and fitness. He look gassed after about 5 minutes. It’s tricky, because he seems like a nice guy, and if we release Martin and Hurrell, which I think we will, we might not be desperate for the O/S squad. It is more about cap space at the minute than O/S spots, which is why I think they’ll move on Hurrell and Martin.

As other’s have said, Martin is playing well, but we just don’t need him with the Bentley signing.

The other main concern for me about King is the head knocks. You only have to look at Stevie Ward, and how he is still suffering to realise it's not worth it. Hopefully someone at the club is keeping a close eye on that.

not sure martin is playing well. kicking goals for fun but that's about it

Not saying I agree with the point about Smith, I think he's a good player. But it's interesting you say he hasn't developed how you expected. I was having a conversation with some friends on the weekend about this very thing. How many times have we seen young players with bags of potential, but never really fulfil it. I know it's a numbers game, but in Ais they seem to manage that transition better. It made me think that if the NRL ever did take over SL, maybe part of that could be using their methods over here. Whilst we don't have as many youngsters playing the game, our top ones regularly give them good games and get the wins

Martin and King out, Hurrell to get another 2 years for me. Reduced terms for Hurrell, but will still need to be one of biggest earners, or he’ll go to Wigan or Saints.....

If Vuniyayawa leaves then we need at least one more prop preferably two.

I agree Tad. And with our 2022 squad containing Gale, Sezer and Austin who could all kick goals, Martin hasn't done enough for a new deal.

I'd let both Martin and Hurrell leave. Think everyone is now well aware of my thoughtson Hurrell!

Martin was looking very good before he got COVID.

Another thing with the overseas boys in particular is how hard it can be isolating in a new country, and being apart from social networks.

Don’t get me wrong Martin is solid rather than spectacular, but we should judge players in light of the current context. COVID has hit several squad members hard and some have been struggling with aerobic capacity afterwards.

Hard to be critical of the club.He was only signed as a 1 year deal,to see what he had to offer.So far in the limited time on the park due to covid he's had some good go foward and multiple concussions.Not sure I would keep him currently.

You are probably correct but this shouldn't have any barring on whether we retain Martin. We have to look at the squad to see whether he is good enough and whether he is needed.
I think we all would mainly agree he's good enough.
His he needed well this isn't as cut and dry. The signing of Bentley plus 4 other second rowers we have plenty of cover. We would I feel be wasting cap space if we retained Martin as our priorities should be a prop signing.