Whilst we shouldn't throw the baby out with the bathwater regarding the loss of Eastwood, and the untimely injuries to Smith and Bailey, it's fair to say that we could afford to have some more depth and quality to our squad, should we choose to do so.

It seems that GH is either unwilling or unable to prise the players that would improve our chances from their current clubs.

I'm not in favour of signing "anyone" to give players a rest etc, but I'm also not sure that we have "turned every stone" in our search for more firepower in either the front row or the centres.

I don't believe that with our current squad we have "no chance" of silverware this year, we have too much remaining quality for that, but I do believe that we could enhance our chances by signing a quality prop or centre.

Why do you say that? Which players in particular?

Sam Burgess would be an improvement. At present, GH seems either unwilling (won't instigate a move) or unable (can't agree a deal) to get Sam to come to Leeds. I'm sure there would be others but that's the first name that comes to mind.

I would not be looking overseas...

i think we are a prop light.second row we could get away with but scrutes has not been replaced. a couple of front row injuries and we are really struggling

unless we're paying a fee I feel we've missed the boat in bringing in any SL players.

The rookie NRL youngsters usually establish themselves by mid season in which case may allow for early releases of some players.

We don't know that GH isn't looking and negotiating with some players currently in SL, howveer it is unlikely.

On the subject of Hull signing a couple of kolpaks, I think both were signed before Eastwoods visa was denied. even so, I would rather stick with what we have got, rather than sign someone mediocre.

Those of you craving more signings need a reality check.

We're in the midst of a recession. ITV are suffering because of a downturn in sorporate support. Do you not think it may be affecting us (and other clubs)?

Combine this with the fact that the club is going to HAVE TO find funds for a new Southstand in immediate future.

So, the directors, who have to consider issues you fantasy football managers don't, might just be right to say "Well, we invest a lot in our youth set up so I am afraid at the moment its' there you will have to look for your players".

....and I would have absolutely no problem with that if the club actually came out and said that was the case.

I agree that the current economic climate will be exerting pressure on the finances of all the clubs, which effectively means that as a buyer you would get more for your money. With this in mind it creates an even stronger reason for signing a Burgess etc.

I think both were signed very close to Eastwood's Visa being turned down as that was only a matter of days after Crocker fell fowl of the authorities.

Hull went out and made the signings happen, so it shows it can be done if there is a need and a will to do it.

Sam Moa's Visa was through within a month and he has already played three times for Hull. Epalahame Lauaki sought a release from Auckland (and at the time Eastwood was expected to replace him there, although that never came to pass.)

Lauaki had an outstanding World Cup IMO and if he gets here will be a big hit on Humberside.

Under what possible scenario would the club need to do that?

Maybe the club don't feel the need to make a public statement about

1. The lack of depth in the squad. [iBecause there isn't a lack of depth. Because they think the squad is in the best shape it can be.[/i

2. The fact that the recession might be affecting their corporate income. [iBecause it should be patently obvious. Do we really need a press conference from Mr Caddick to tell us the business world is tightening its' belt?[/i

3. The dire need to re-develop the Southstand. [iActually, they have gone public about this. But if you missed it, next time we're on telly, have a peek at the bottom of the Southstand and see what jumps out at you.[/i

Remind me what we're doing wrong that the Hull club aren't again?

Unlike Sam Moa who looks like a big sh*t on Humberside.
He looks like a poor man's Leuluai or Pa'aleasina.
If we have to be interested in another SL player, how about Tony Clubb?
Looks like he can play centre or second row. He impresses me as a player who could really develop playing in a better team than Harlequins. Although I thought they played very well to their strengths tonight with a game plan that they executed fully. Chad Randall - very underated in my view - was well worth his MOM.

When was the last time Hull beat Harlequins away in the SL Regular Rounds?

Three wins from fourteen wouldn't have filled me with much expectation to be perfectly honest.

I tend to measure Leeds against the best they can be. I'd like to see Leeds use whatever they have at their disposal to defend their titles this season. I don't even mind seeing them fail if I think they are giving us 100% of what they've got.

If they thought they needed to sign Greg Eastwood (and they appeared to think so when they signed him) what has changed since then to make a replacement not as necessary?



London born players should not be coveted by north of England teams, IMO and any that sign them do the sport a dis-service.

Clubb would make an excellent acquisition but one that I'd hate Leeds to make.

Ultimately those businesses that communicate with their customers (actual and potential) with the most honesty and clarity, are the ones that have the most stable relationship with them.