i bet the birthday boy wouldnt mind a phone call telling him that hes been approved now today.. seen as today is his birthday.

Out of interest, how long ago is it since he got turned down? Is it over a month now?

We were told when it was refused that he had appealed and that he would hear the outcome in a month.

Just wondering.

IIRC GH said the outcome of the appeal will hopefully take a month.

But we are the Champions, with expectations (not hopes) to retain the title a 3rd time. It does make you realise how good a job Ablett did last year when we miss him in the backs. I would imagine that we tried to replace Toopi but I guess there are so few quality centres around these days that the good ones can demand big money (too big for us I guess).

Agreed. If we go trophyless this season and we don't replace eastwood (should it fall through) or toopi - serious questions need to be asked about the recruitment for this season.

Bold statement but I don't think as the squad is at present quite good enough to win anything year.

Easier said than done now that the season as started.

4 games in.

We're 4 games in.

We've a shed load of injuries yet we're undefeated and still top of the league.

Yet, after these 4 games you post that?

I actually agree with you annoyance at that. It does appear daft, and there is no doubt we can not put full teams out yet.

However Gareth, what I would say and what I dont think you are balancing against, is that the tactics appear to have changed this year (from an attacking point of view). Those tactics look at the moment to be poor, despite the 4 wins. Hopefully your thinking will be right, and when the first choice 17 get on the park we will play a different game.

But I was always under the impression that the first team squad train together, and therefore whoever is on the field the game plan would be the same. If thats the case that is more of a worry.

4 wins from 4 nobody can argue against. But equally 3 out of the 4 been outplayed can not be ignored.

Our defence has been very good.Once we get some bodies back I expect the attack to start firing.
Top of the league with an injury hit team is a pretty good start for mine.

We lost Gareth Ellis, the best British 2nd row

Does anyone know for a fact that Hetherington has not tried to sign a Centre? who's available? at what cost? and do we really want another aussie/kiwi blocking Watkins Gibson Smith from the first team.

Like G1 said, some people are never satisfied.

You're talking about the way the team is playing. I have some sympathy with your view but am not in the slightest bit concerned.

RPW said the squad wasn't good enough to win anything.

I know we're supposed to behave and not name call but what a fekkin moron.

OK, in terms of the squad we've lost the following.

Gareth Ellis. A defensive monster. His loss will not be too keenly felt because we have plenty of depth in that position and our defense has also been solid. He did virtually nothing for the side going forward so nothing to replace there.

Jordan Tansey. he was playing hooker from the bench when he was in the team. We have replaced him with Danny Buderus and promoted McShane. Can anyone without the benefit of a lobotomy really say we have not upgraded?

Scruton. A loss, for sure. But, again, in a position were we have four front line decent players thanks to the emergence of Burgess.

Toopi. Didn't play last season and when he did play was with mixed results. We've been in need of a right centre and haven't filled the gap properly since Chev left. But there aren't that many Matt Gidley or jamie Lyon's around. Watkins and Gibson (who is like a new signing) are coming on so, the lack of a recognised right centre having proved no barrier to a championship, we're being patient.