Donaldson is just the type of squad player you need.

As an aside I don’t think theres a game this year where he hasn’t won is a penalty for a head high.

We cant let Bodene go....have you seen his Mrs? Well played Bodene lad. Nice young lady lol.

I think we're agreeing on the whole. We know we need squad players but for various reasons Thompson and mellor aren't the right people. We also need a prop and briscoe should be moved on.

The more I see of Donaldson the more I like. I really don't bucket him with some of the others. He tries his heart out and is good value for money.

Seth wrote:
I think we're agreeing on the whole. We know we need squad players but for various reasons Thompson and mellor aren't the right people. We also need a prop and briscoe should be moved on.
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Did you actually go to the game last night?
Quality of rugby was not the best but what do you expect from a scratch team missing so many first choice players!
All of the players that are regularly rubbished on this site stood up to be counted and this included Thompson, Dwyer, Leeming and Donaldson.
Was it the best rugby you have seen? No. However to shut out KR with that team showed tremendous spirit and something to build on going forward when more bodies are back.

We could end up above warrington if we win the next 2 games - they have Cats and Saints

Quick look on their board and they are not happy at all, a season can shift very quickly, really important run of games for us and those around us, thankfully we actually seem to have the momentum and with a new coach coming in, combined with players returning may could be a defining month for us.

How good was it to hear the crowd in full voice last night, best atmosphere at HQ for a long time

Agree with everything Christopher

Think we have to see what Smith thinks of the squad and he should be given free reign to do as he sees fit

Absolutely and what I said originally was that I hope he's strong enough to be ruthless where necessary. Players undoubtedly need to come in and you can't do that without some going out.

Practical thing to do is look at the players who are out of contract and assess not just what they have delivered so far this season, but over the last couple of years. With that in mind I would suggest Bodene (maybe keep the missus), Dywer, Briscoe and Mellor have to be moved on. Not because they are all rubbish, but because if we are looking to get near the top of the table again we need far better. I'm not sure about Martin. He's been a stand out for a large part of the season, but over the last couple of years he's been a bit in and out. Covid may well have been a factor in that. Will be interesting to see what Smith can get out of the likes of Tet and Bentley. They have really let the team down when needed most. Both owe the rest of the squad big time.

I’d def keep Martin but agree with your view here Arthur

Seth
I am not having a pop at you in particularly. My point is we have been badly hit with injuries and unnecessary suspensions. Down to the bare bones and it has been a necessity to play Donaldson and Thompson regularly and I don’t think anyone can single them out for letting the team down. Would I have them both playing in the 17 regularly no, they are squad fillers. Would I have given Thompson the contact he was given taking up a quota spot no. However we are where we are for the time being and for me I am glad we have them. As mentioned we have 9 players off contract and I think Smith should be given the time to decide who he wants to keep and if they get offers from elsewhere in the meantime so be it. I am positive that there will be changes, there needs to be to progress but we are a cap sport so don’t expect 7/8 big hitters arriving.
Just to make things clear I would expect Thompson to go making room for one overseas player. Not sure about Blake so possibly two spots available.
I would hope that Smith has a a good few contacts that are not top grade players but are really capable of making a mark in SL even if it is just a two year stepping stone to ARL.
Let’s hope the upward curve continues.

Would you keep Austin? He's also out of contract and clearly trying his socks off. Thing is, if we keep both Austin and Martin, get rid of Bodene and then all the other contracted overseas players elect to stay - we have just one quota place left to fill. Given that the NRL is theoretically the best place to recruit quality, there is not much room for manoeuvre. Who would be a coach?

I’d keep Austin but would understand if he wasn’t retained.