As it stands, it's a swap for Flannery.

Isn't he replacing Flannery?

I had forgotten just how poor the English backs were that game. How you expect to defend on your own line without moving up against the Aussies and win is beyond me. How many of that back line are in the current England squad? None?

If you want to make it look like an even better move, why not say he's replacing some kid from the academy who won't be offered a pro contract?

Fact is, unless there are further major signings to come, the Saints pack is going to be significantly poorer in 2012 than it is in 2011.

I'm not trying to make it look anything. Flannery is known to be going at the end of the season. We've signed an Australian to replace him. If you can tell that TP has DEFINITELY left Saints then fine, we can have it as a Laffranchi in Puletua out. Unitl then, it's as stated.

Of course our pack will be weaker. Graham is irreplaceable unless we can sign 1 of about 5 props from the NRL, none of which are available.

I never said it wasn't.

I'd love or us to have won a CC in the last 7 seasons, do doubt. Nor do I disagree that we are not the force we were either.

Liquid lunch G?

Cross and Hauraki aren't complaining.

The backs, halfbacks and forwards were all poor and out of their depth as well, or had you conveniently forgotten?

It was a long way to travel to see that degree of sh[iy[/ite.

Im sure the Emirates service was well worth the money you forked out for the whole trip

I have pretty much forgotten about all of that tournament TBF. The only thing (before I watched that video) that stuck out about that game was Calderwood getting turned inside out by Slater.

Anyway, I was at the SFS in '02 for the "one off test". Be thankful you wernt there for that.

There can be little doubt that Saints have been one of the outstanding sides in SL. A lack of GF wins in no way diminishes their ability to play quality, attractive, winning rugby on a consistent basis. Make no mistake about it winning the hubcap and finishing top would be valued higher by some had their clubs managed it more often. To make winning the GF the only criteria of success smacks of schoolyard boasting.

Don't touch the evil stuff mid week. I'm an athlete these days.

I think this is a very good signing by my club. At present Saints have a squad of 33 players. Of those 33, 22 are home grown. Of those 22, 19 are aged 21 and under. That is a very inexperienced squad. We are still remaining competitive, even though on Monday, for instance, we played seven players aged 21 and under. But we desperately need experience in the squad. Both Hohaia and Laffranchi are settled players, seasoned internationals, good at what they do and are interested in youth development. It is possible we will sign a third overseas player (since Laffranchi doesn't count on the quota, we can do that), probably a prop.