I have to say that went through my mind. I wondered whether it was a gambit by Hood to show we're still in the frame for the big players, and/or McNamara so when it failed he could blame poor performances on externalities, bureaucracy etc, as with his habit of blaming referees.

I don't actually believe either is the case, but I'm not persuaded on Bird, I think it's a big risk, probably a costly one and inevitably short term.

I'm not even convinced that he's as good as some on here have made out having just watched the re-runs of the second SOO and the centenary test. I admit to not having followed his career for Cronulla particularly closely and I'm sure he's got lots of talent, but then he's got loads of baggage too.

I hope Hood/McNamara have got their homework right, he's in the right frame of mind, has been keeping himself in good shape and is coming to prove a point as has been said. Even then it would be a risk and the idea that this will somehow make us title contenders seems a stretch. Embarrassingly it makes us sound like Wire fans.

I agree with that, I think some of the, slightly giddy, reaction stems from the fact there is very little to get excited about anywhere else in the backs and this signing came very much out of the blue.

or alternatively our backs arent really as bad as some posters make out and this signing adds genuine quality to what we've got already - but then you can't be positive can you asim?

When there's been no evidence to suggest there is anything to be positive about, no.

I don't see where the risk lies for the club at all. He couldn't work in Oz. Few if any had room to sign him in the UK, either due to the salary cap (Wire) or due to quota restrictions (Wigan) so the idea that he's commanded a large salary this year seems highly unlikely. If he is unable to fulfil his playing obligations for other reasons then he will be in breach and dismissed. The two year option means that if he leaves after the first year then that option will have to be bought from the club. If he does well and stays the option will reflect his market value as his ban in the NRL will have been lifted.

As for his quality, he's a State of Origin player who'd have stood a good chance of being in the Aussie test team but for his suspension. What are you emabarrassed about?

We've just signed a current Aussie test player. Don't you like rugby league?

I think it is quite clear that I was referring to the "quality" of the rest of the backline.

I would be surprised if the Bulls manage to average 12,000 fans this season, a more realistic aim is 9,500 to 11,000 fans imo, even with the Bird!

When are the official figures released?

As i reckon that they will be in the Biffs ballpark figure, if not lower

Quote: The Biffs Back "I would be surprised if the Bulls manage to average 12,000 fans this season, a more realistic aim is 9,500 to 11,000 fans imo, even with the Bird!'" See here: forums.rlfans.com/viewtopic.php?t=430447&start=0 Bradford: 9,677 (-5.93%) So a pretty good guess.

Quote: The Biffs Back "I would be surprised if the Bulls manage to average 12,000 fans this season, a more realistic aim is 9,500 to 11,000 fans imo, even with the Bird!'" See here: forums.rlfans.com/viewtopic.php?t=430447&start=0 Bradford: 9,677 (-5.93%) So a pretty good guess.