walker has to be leaving or de-registered.
hardaker needs signing up asap.
hooley is a very odd signing. another project to be possibly loaned out to a leigh or wakey for the year

Welcome on board.
Not sure we need him unless Hardaker is leaving which would be a big loss.

Hooley probably needs a couple of seasons as back up. Hardaker plays centre more now, only offered 1 year deal balls in his court. Walker probably going/gone

This is about depth and potential, as with some of the other rumoured signings. Smith made the comment early in his stay that he was surprised we didn't have many players in the squad coming into their prime (I think he said 24-26 or similar). Coming from Aus he'd probably be stunned that our first reserves in some positions are 17 years old. Maybe he thinks that with work Hooley could be a quality fullback? I'm happy to trust his judgement given I don't disagree with any of the players who have left since Smith arrived (except maybe Broadbent, which seems to be more down to the player).

Injuries or not Smith clearly saw enough of Walker to want to move him on, and he'd be at Hull permanently if he hadn't got hurt again. If Walker recovers it will probably be him that spends the season on loan.

Not sure about this one, but at this point the signs are that we should be reasonably confident in Smith's ability to manage so-called 'project' signings better than the likes of McDermott and Agar. Not many of us would have predicted O'Connor's success at hooker, the disciplinary and form turn-arounds of Tetevano and Bentley, as well as the conversion of Walters to a prop forward.

Agree lets give this one a chance. All the incoming players are in a similar age bracket and will provide squad depth. The last couple of years especially in the backs we have thrown players in who are not pyhsically ready due to their age. Smith is backing himself as a coach and has earned the right. As far as Zak is concerned it depends on how he values himself and if he thinks leeds offer is fair. Locally he probably will not get a better offer unless willing to travel.

Peter Smith still tweeting today that the club are keen to keep Zak but it's not a done deal.

Hardaker is surely pencilled in as the left centre following Sutcliffe going.

All the various rumours and comments seem to suggest ZH wants a longer deal but I can see why RS wouldn't want to.
We are partly struggling now due to long contracts thrown around a year or two ago

Surely not if McDonald, as rumoured, is on his way.

why hasnt Macdonald been announced if he is coming?

I imagine the Hardaker deal is all but agreed but the club need to manage the cap to make it happen (which they will). Hence there isn't a feeding frenzy of rumours about him negotiating with other clubs.

Pretty sure Lam has been quoted as saying he's contracted by Leigh for 2023. Could explain Hardaker's one year offer if MacDonald is earmarked for 2024.

I'm sure all will become clear in the fullness of time. Just frustrating to have to wait.

My thoughts too