No thanks. Leon plus one of Lomax/Wheeler for me. Give them a chance to see if they can make it. If we need to, we can buy someone in for next season.

Hull needed someone to replace a halfback who left at the end of last season, to partner Longy. That's why they jumped for Obst.

They've already got Richard Horne though.

I'm not saying it'll happen, but I've seen stranger things occur. Long played well for Hull on Saturday, possibly their best player.

I really cant get used to this new, sensible you, its quite disturbing!

I know. Hudds have just signed Dale Ferguson, but I doubt it means they'll be releasing Luke O'Donnell.

It's all silly rumour at the moment, but having Long and Pryce would be a godsend for me. There is no way that they will both be fit all season, letting Lomax cover and Wheeler to play at centre.

Oh yes. I forgot about him. Won't they need someone to cover fullback though until thingy comes up from down under, visa permitting?


Do you think he was trying to impress?

Well, I hope you're right.

Don't forget Kyle had a big impact on where we finished in the table with his contribution to the first half of the season. Without him we have no kicking game, and I can't see us winning anything in such a competitive looking competition without a kicking game.

They've just signed Cameron Phelps, so that role is covered.



Maybe.

I'm not sure I agree with you here. I think that perhaps our other halfbacks have not worked on their kicking game because that has been down to Kyle/Leon. However, although he overdid it when he tried, Wheeler knew when to kick. Lomax also had a go last season. Roby has managed some lovely grubbers. If we are to be without Kyle then a short kicking game in particular is paramount in training, I would think. Maybe we do have a short kicker but don't yet know it? Goal kicks can be dealt with by Foster or Lomax, since both can kick, and Wheeler at a push if he practises hard! Long kicks can be dealt with by Foster (kick offs, etc) and Pryce (big booming boots up the park and 40/20s!), and possibly Lomax and Roby (if they both practice). Potentially this season we are actually well off for kickers, if they all practice well. Kyle's absence would only mean that someone would have to get the hang of those great little chips he used to do over the tryline.

That's the thingy I meant. But he hasn't yet received visa clearance has he? So I would imagine he will be a while yet in arriving. Still, although I am clearly trying to persuade myself that Longy returning is not going to happen (because I really don't think it would be a good idea), it certainly looks a possibility.

For me, if he gives 100% for the season then I'm happy for him to stay. If he won't then he can go now. Players play with players who are to move on all the time, fans have more of a problem than players do.

We'd probably be better off getting a youth Aussie half back over for 12 months a la Dobson at Wigan, because at least they'd be able to kick and pass competently.

As for our youth, Wheeler appears to be the best bet. I've not seen anything from Lomax to suggest he would be able to settle in at 7 this year, I think he's struggled at centre when he's played there. Gaskell has barely played at this level, it may well be too much to expect just throwing him in.

Whoever we pick I hope we pick a player and stick with him, chopping and changing every other week will do neither the team nor the player much good.

I've no idea, although they've got Whiting covering there at the moment, so I don't think they're short in that area.



Nothing is beyond the realms of possibility. I could think of worse short term moves. Gaskell, Lomax and Wheeler would certainly get opportunities in the side as we have a reasonably small squad anyway.

As for long term replacements, what do we think?

Thurston - Obvious choice, he's top class. He'd be difficult to prise away, but with the new stadium Saints are going to want a marquee signing. Had troubles in the NRL aswell so may want to get away.
Michael Witt - Crusaders having money problems, may want to sell. Good kicking game in particular.
Jarrod Sammutt - Not someone I'd go for, but not getting in their team at the moment.
Rangi Chase - Class player, I'd have him here.

Anymore?