Your absolutely right.

But not many we sign from NRL in that time are big fish, which is what I was saying. Even Webb would have probably being something like 5th or 6th in the pecking order of best fullbacks at the time.

Yes Webb can be added to that list and even though I don't think he ever really shone here Toopi was a NZ international at the time. Whilst not big names the likes of Donald, Leuluai and Bai were still above an unknown like Achurch.

And granted not all the signings have to come from the NRL (that's why I listed the likes of Peacock and Ellis). But how many players out there in SL right now is there that you think "wow we should really go get him"......Clark is an obvious one but looks Warrington bound. Also the point I was making it that around 8-10 years we would've probably ended up with Clark, Warrington have since come along and snapped up a lot of guys though that could've ended up at other clubs (but I suppose after losing the likes of Harris and Sculthorpe it's there turn back).

Also when considering who we'd might/could manage to sign from other SL clubs, those ones we did make were from clubs lower down or not at great financial strength. Ellis (Wakefield) Senior (Sheffield) Harris (Warrington) and Peacock was one of many top names that departed the on the slide Bulls along with Pryce, Fielden, Vainokolo etc.

So it's not like we were taking from our nearest challengers (with the Peacock being noted for an exception) then so I can't see it happening now with any players from Wigan, Saints, Wire would be unlikely. With perhaps the exception of Brett Hodgson have any of those taken a player from another challenger at the top of the table in the last few years? Not really so it does kind of leave you looking at what's available from the other 7/8 clubs in SL and it's not a lot to be honest.

How do you know for sure Charnleywas not available Printer.
Players are nearly always available for the right price.
Like I said I would have stuck with BJB if Charnley was not available.

Briscoe is better than both players by some distance, and he was available.

I agree however on your comment of "not available" is never a situation if you want someone.

That seems a wee bit arrogant if you dont mind me saying so ???

Its a bit more complicated than that IMO. Players under contract. Illegal approach rules. Etc.

Briscoe clearly wanted out from Hull FC in my view. I dont recall Charnley ever giving any indications he was thinking likewise.

Just to get back OT First or Second.

5th or 4th if we beat Cas

??????? if we beat them

I can see that if we lose.

Can see us potentially losing two games so my guess will be 2nd or 3rd

Either way its how many fit players that we have will dictate how well we do in the play offs and not what position we end up in (obvious I know)

Well didn't hear him being out of contract last year. Whilst that doesn't technically stop him being available we all know that's how a large portion of transfers happen in SL. Would you really have Charnley at a large transfer fee or Briscoe OOC?

Or player exchange and a small cash adjustment with BjB going the other way.
Of course that would depend on Wigan wanting him and releasing Charnley.
All if`s and but`s that wont ever happen.
Still think 5th or 4th btw.

Wigan
Hull H
Bulls A
Reds H
HullKR.
Widnes A
Leeds H
Wire H

Wire
Vikings A
Wakefield H
Dragons A
Tigers H
Giants H
Saints A
Wigan A

Saints
Broncos A
Vikings H
Hull A
Wildcats H
Leeds A
Wolves H
Giants A

Leeds
Tigers H
Reds A
Bulls H
Broncos A
Saints H
Warriors A
Hull A

Hudds
Bull H
Dragons H
Wildcats A
Vikings H
Wolves A
Hull H
Saints H

Tigers
Leeds A
Hull A
Broncos H
Wire A
Bulls H
Wildcats H
Dragons A


I suppose it depends on challenge cup but looking at fixtures, I would expect leeds to finish in top four if they win tomorrow, saints look favourites to finish top with Wigan if leeds slip.

A lot really does depend if we make the final or not.I think it will be too much to get anything from fresh and motivated saints and wigan sides back to back after the final.