I suspect Ward will have known for some weeks that he wasn't going to be offered a new deal. Whether his attitude/motivation dropped off after that I don't know, but he certainly disappeared off McDermott's radar and down below Lilley in the pecking order pretty quickly.

I don't see Lilley as a hooker really, though maybe see him fulfilling the burrow utility role - not that he would want to get lumbered with that tag I suspect.

Hopefully the long term hooker role is high on the list.

Didn't someone mention something about Hunslet players being quite critical of the effort Robbie Ward put in whilst there? If that's true and considering the close connection between the clubs with Eaton's roles at both clubs then Ward really only has himself to blame. Compare it to Keinhorst for example who put the effort in, played a new position whilst there and then was rewarded.

Last time I saw Robbie Ward up close, he appeared to have put on a little podge - was certainly looking a little plump in the face - might have a touch of the Mcshanes....

Why wouldn't he be aware of it?

Ward must be kicking himself. I'm not saying we wouldn't still be chasing a new hooker but with aiton leaving then getting injured he had a great shout at playing in a GF and pushing himself forward for a regular place in the 17. What a missed opportunity... Unlike Jimmy as has been said.

I do believe that was I Mr printer sir who posted that. Was along the lines of ward basically being too 'soft', the same conversation also brought up how lilley having only played 1 game for the rhinos and a couple for hunslet seemed to have no fear in everything he went into and gave his all, which is why I see his was chosen over ward.

How imminent is imminent ?

Even if we sign a hooker, Lilley (or somebody else) needs to be ready to play there if required. If anything it gives him more chance of getting a game in the short-term. It doesn't mean he must become a hooker, but getting game time and impressing is the way to get a new contract. Fairly obviously Ward didn't and so is on his way.

Thought farah was available?

IMO Ward never looked like he possessed the attributes to be a decent SL hooker. I've seen less of Lilley but he looks superior. Hope to see more of Lilley in 2016 alongside our new first choice hooker and Burrow.

Agree with this, thought Lilley looked good in what was our lowest/hardest point of the season, would like to see him get plenty of game time next year.