big upside, big downside. Would be an interesting one.

If Achurch is leaving and JJB likely to retire next year it makes sense. He is only mid twenties iirc?.

That said I hope they keep him on a short leash until he settles in.

Does he still kick goals? He was a decent kicker at Cas iirc.

Soy you approve? I just jumped on the Gravy train as it was getting a bit Fishy and needed a bit of Salsa, But now there is not Mushroom for anything Spicy. Soy I will say Tartar for now.

First impressions are underwhelming.....but criticism of his off field anctics is surely to be put into context with one certain man of steel FB. The club has proved it can change that for the better. Surrounded by better team mates and the club ethos could be very mutually beneficial

Depends, I think if he is replacing Achurch it's a definite upgrade. Regarding his off field issues we have some players are far from saints. Hardaker for one, and Sutcliffe has been a very silly boy while injured

Should be coming into his prime, and in addition to tackling work rate he has footballing ability to play as a ball playing loose forward in same vein albeit not as good as O'Loughlin. He has more talent than any of our current back rowers. Will be on higher salary Than Achurch and with passing skills could take strain from the role Cuthbertson has played of late as a pivot. Worth a gamble in my book. 12 months ago was in england squad.

...and 12 months ago was England's backrower by some distance, although that's as much a reflection on how dire the others were as how good he was.

I think if you look at the qualities and character of the players leaving the club for sure and the posdibility JJB also struggling to return then perhaps having a guy with Westermsn's reputation coming in doesn't fill me with confidence.

A lot of people took the p!ss over Westermans 5 or 6 knock ons when we played them at the KC most recently, including myself, but the reality is he broke our line a few times and if he had kept hold of them then he would have scored a hat trick at least. That is worth a punt for sure.

Potentially the best back row in the country over the next couple of years.

I'll be very surprised if Westerman would be on the same sort of money as Achurch - Achurch has been one VERY expensive mistake. He's lucky he didn't come with a big name (ala Mullins, Clyde) or he'd have been hammered much more on here. He is one of our very top earners.

I'd guess we'll be able to afford a Westerman type player and have plenty of money left over for contract upgrades or towards other signings.