We shouldn't have had so many coming off contract this season. Very poor planning.

For those really good players like Gaskell, Addy, Ferguson and the likes I think the best we could hope for is asking them to hold off signing anything until after the season has ended and we know where we are at in regards to divisions.

What's the chances of that though? Very slim Id say.

I can see it being a massive rebuilding job next season.

If a player has a massive desire to play in Super League next season, I'd say chances are slim to none. Leaving it so late to sign for another club is risking your own career and potentially missing out as they'll go after more definite targets. Your only chance of getting in somewhere if you leave it that late is if a team released someone and is looking for someone in your position.

I would agree, but I would still insist it's our best hope with keeping those guys.

It's the home grown ones that hurt the most. We actually have an advantage (supposedly) when trying to retain home grown players because only a certain amount (£40k I think) would count on our cap, whereas 100% of their salary would count on the cap of the club that they move to.
While this might have seemed like a strong enough deterrent in theory, it seems like we still can't match SL offers even with that ruling in place.

Well Gaskell was interviewed a while back about being off contract this year and he did make noises about wanting to stay.

I guess we'll see what Smith can offer in terms of player retention after all, he's sat down and had one to ones will all the players this week and I'd guess a chunk of that would be about are you staying or are you going.

With Gaskell looking like he's going to be crocked for a few weeks, I'll revise my opinion on this and would fully support a one month loan if we can't get a permanent signing over the line in short order.

I think it's a shame that you have put work, getting married becoming a Dad stopping you from putting your hand up!

Besides Cas' Tom Holmes there hasn't been much else in the way of rumours.

Someone must have been told who it is but aren't allowed to say but they're source is always right. Right?

With Gaskell looking like he may miss a few games I am now wondering that if Smith can find a decent pair of halves for next season will it really be a massive loss if he leaves. He can be brilliant at times but those few times tend to stick in our minds all season and I wonder if there is a stand off out there that would do a better job for us. We don't need an occasional flashy player but rather a consistently decent player.
If we get a good 7 then he may improve his consistency but at the moment he isn't. I also doubt he is seen as that top class player by SL teams.
If he left and we didn't replace him then yes, it wouldn't be good but if Smith can bring in two solid, reliable halves then no, we would get over him leaving.

As things are, I'd say maybe be not. He can be brilliant but he does miss a fair bit of game time too, which is a fair negative and he hasn't been anywhere near as influential this year, though admittedly he hasn't had Jake Mullaney as a foil. Many seem to suggest he's going anyway, so maybe there won't actually be a choice for us to make?

Travis Burns has also been long rumoured and he would seem to fit the brief of a player who can cover a few positions. Also already over here so presumably no likely visa issues.

A few weeks ago it was reported Burns would be going to Leigh. Now they've signed Drinkwater that prospect seems remote.
Reading the Saints forum it's obvious there is a consensus that Cunningham will not select him. But KC will be under even more pressure after today
Burns played for Manly, North Queensland and Penrith in the NRL. I think he was a teammate of Purtell at the Panthers and it's certain that Smith will be well aware of his abilities and whether he would fit into his structure.

Drinkwater scored on debut today for Leigh, only came on with 20 minutes to go.

I think you could do worse than get Travis Burns from Saints, even on loan although it is reported he can be a little abrasive with team mates.

It is also true that it was hotly tipped he would come to Leigh on loan but could have been a load of old baloney !!

Think burns would've perfect fit for us but iirc he refuses to drop down a league

According to who? He isn't playing in any league at the moment.