I think we should go for Matt Orford

Given that the Long contract mystery is now at an end I think we'll see a big improvement from Kyle. It can't be much fun playing second-fiddle to a legend and this will clear up any insecurities he had about next season.

Look at the development of Arsenal's kids when Henry left.

Didnt hurt Sean Long did it, who was making sparodic appearances when Goulding was scrum half.

err, I hope we win more...

That's different. At the time we weren't even sure what Long's best position was. Don't forget - most people thought he was a stand off (many still do!).

Don't forget the infamous (st craig inspired?) Sean Long to centre about four/five years ago

Do you think he'll start to get more game time at 7??

Agree Longy should now be on the bench and let Kyle or whoever start at Scrum Half

I phucking well hope so.

I agree with this. We can't be without someone next year who has had some real and challenging experience this season. We have to jump in and take the risk on Kyle or whoever.

Nah.

Longy to be the main man, but Kyle to get minutes through a reshuffle when the situation allows, like in the last couple of games.

People forget that his exposure has been limited more by injuries than through Saints' unwillingness to throw him in.

Come the semi final, final (touch wood) and play-offs, would you really rather Kyle was out there in a tight game than Longy?

It would seem sensible to give half back understudies a go now that we know Long is definitely going. However, benching Long just because he is leaving seems a bit knee-jerk. A balance is required. Our being in the cup may mean we have to rest certain key players in July and August.

At the moment you'd be daft not to say Longy. However, due to Long's only recent injury coinciding with Eastmond also being injured, Arnold has had very few chances at 7.

Should today's event mean that Potter throws him in few times against the more modest opposition, be it from the start, or bringing him on for longy to stand at 1st receiver instead of out wide, you may see the lad really start to shine, and come the end of the season, you might think Potter crazy to leave him out.

If Hull have signed Long from us, why don't we sign Thorman from them as a replacement.