Lilley, Meadows, Keyes and now Ackroyd years since halves looked so healthy

Welcome Waqa. Competition for places in the backline for the first time in years. What is going on?!

Another good addition to the squad regardless of what some idiot RL journalists have been spouting this week on Twitter. 150+ NRL appearances and 60+ tries. He has the potential to cause havoc next year in the Championship.

One poor season at a struggling St Helens side doesn't mean much. He was good at Parramatta before then. In the championship I predict he'll be very good.

I remember people making similar comments about Okunbor and Pele when we signed them. I'm not sure what critics want? We're not exactly going to sign Nathan Cleary are we? Blake and Armitage are both upgrades on Gill and Myers and we need competition for places.

Sounds like me coming off X was a good move!

Unfortunately some RL journalists are completely triggered by Gledhill and lose all sense of neutrality. I know most what he spouts is guff, but you shouldn't let that affect your professionalism.

While Blake was poor for saints (I remember him palming a simple kick for a drop out when an easy catch would have given them a 20m 7 tackle set being a particular low point) did anyone actually look good for saints last year? Welsby was one of the most wanted players but looked bang average and Dodds was so poor he got dropped. Wonder if South sydney are comedy value too.

I expect Blake will go well next year in the championship. You don't score 60 tries on 150 NRL appearances by being a bad player. Maybe comedy value coach Noble might get the best out of him...

Hadn't considered the influence of Mick on oher journos. Good point.

1 poor season can be for a whole host of reasons:
- Poor environment and lack of want and believe, this rips through a squad quickly
- Not buying into coaching methods and tactics, inevitably leads to the point above
- Personality clashes (see Edwards and Bradley in '9icon_cool.gif
- Settling (or lack of) in to a new country and lifestyle
- Family not settling in a new country or not coming at the same time

Not sure on the lads circumstances, but there's a lot to get nailed other than just rocking up with your A game. Let's keep our powder dry until he dons the RAB shall we?