It will be a major achievement to retain Ryan. Hes the best finisher in the game and can play on the wing and full back (probably centre too). Every SL (and some NRL) clubs will have the cheque book out.
As much as the guy seems to love the Bulls, we're all human and hes going to get some huge offers.
I'll just enjoy watching him whilst we can.

I think the club have been delaying offering deals to some of the younger players in order to see how they develop. It’s a fine balancing act because they might think they’re not wanted and start looking elsewhere. I’m sure the agents will be touting everyone around.

It was interesting to hear Kear’s comments when he was asked about Ethan Ryan after the weekend’s game. He said that although SL teams may be interested players should look at how James Bentley has fared since he left. If you’re not going to be first choice then there’s a good chance you’ll be sent on loan and that’s not good for a young player’s development.

If I’m honest I think Ryan could probably get a first team spot on the wing at Cas. He’s easily as good as James Clare, probably better now. However I think longer term he can become a better player at fullback but I’m not so sure he’s SL material in that position..yet. In the end he’s still only 22 and could command an even bigger deal in a year or two. If he goes I wouldn’t be surprised.

If I was being ruthless I’s say we could probably replace the likes of Gibson, Magrin and Milton without any issue. None of them have really looked like they’re getting back in the side.

Josh Rickett would remain cheap and can do a job. DFJ has been solid, as has Grant but neither are likely to improve on what they’re already doing. I can see us keeping them on similar deals. As for Hallas and Flanagan we need backup for Wildie and I think we need three hookers at the club. Flanagan is knocking on a bit now and I’d use his money to keep Doyle and Hallas. Hallas is no hooker but he gives 100% and is versatile and has age on his side.

I’d definitely try and keep Ryan, Oakes, Evans, Lilley, Wildie, Green, Kirk, Bustin, Peltier and Wood.

Anybody read that article about Ryan in the paper? Does it give much away?

Im blocked from reading it because I haven't signed.up.

It’s basically a re-hash of Kear’s post match interview where he states that players wishing to go to SL clubs should consider if they’d be happy if they were sent on loan or dual reg.

Thanks

Which is a sensible thing for young players to consider. Just because you're signed by an SL club, it doesn't follow that you'll get in the first team there

Rickett had offers from at least two other clubs before deciding to stay for 2019. I don't know who one of them was, but certainly the one I do know, he'd have got more game time. I'd expect if he hasn't managed to crack the first team by the end of the season, he'll be more likely to take up the offer at a club where he'll have a chance of playing.

I wouldn't be concerned about the promoted club picking up players from the relegated club

IF it turns out to be Toronto they'll be setting their sights higher. They can pay transfer fees to get players and they'll doubtless have their eyes on players from the NRL. They won't need to be picking up scraps from London!

There'll be a fair few from the SL OOC list who will be dropping down. They might not want to, but they won't necessarily have the choice. Clubs will be promoting up some of their younger players, as well as signing people from abroad, and so there will definitely be some who will be surplus to requirements, just like we signed people like Webster and Evans this year.

So why not us signing up some of them? Who else is going to have a bigger player budget than us next season in the Championship?

If we get promoted though we will have the dregs of the list. Thankfully our name still has a pull so we may be able to tempt some others.

That's not really gonna happen though

Technically we signed Evans from another champ club so he's a bad example. Webster and Hitchcox could have stayed in SL I reckon and yes we did well to sign them.
I'm not sure Webster has been worth money so far though. Not through any fault of his own, but our style of play means that he's not getting the ball enough and definitely not where he's most dangerous. I'd rather we make shrewd signings rather than big name ones.

As for playing budgets, we'll probably be behind London if they come down, Widnes if they stay up, Toulouse and probably Leigh if Derek starts spending again.