I didn't give a monkeys about losing Siejka. I'd rather play a centre or 13 at scrum half than him. But losing Mullaney is a huge blow. He, along with Gaskell and O'Brien was one of the very few players we had that could change the game and inject that bit of pace and flair just when we needed it.
The other fullback options, while ok, are nowhere near the quality that Mullaney was.

Agree about Siejka's inability as a player, but the perceived way in which in his friend was treated by the club was enough for Mullaney to join Harry on the first flight back to Australia.

With James Mendeika out for the season due to that unfortunate injury in the Ireland game, one would suspect a new FB is on the transfer radar. I wonder if Jimmy regrets binning Ryan Shaw? Could be a decision that comes back to haunt us.

I wouldn't think so. Apart from the odd game or two, I never really got the big deal with Shaw, and was amazed when KR signed him. I'm not convinced he would be a much better option than Clare, Campbell or Thomas. And certainly not in Mullaney's league.

With the long term injuries to Campbell and Mendeika I'd fully expect Clare to make the FB spot his own.

The squad is certainly looking a lot leaner in 2016 with all the departures and long term injuries.

I would agree with that. Especially since Thomas may be needed to play at 7.

Personally, I prefer Clare on the wing. Him moving to fullback means Caro is likely to be first choice for the wing along with Williams, and apart from pace, I can't say I've seen a lot in Caro, so I think that makes the 13 a little poorer.

I wouldn't say the whole squad is looking leaner, as we have plenty of back and front rowers. However other positions are certainly looking light on the backup front (and one or two on the first choice front!).

The Mullaney news just confirms what we all knew some time ago – even if I’d hoped it was wrong.

I’m not sure the squad is any leaner. In fact we seem to have begun to collect backrowers. Also with Purtell as captain that leaves me wondering if he’s a cert for halfback given that Neilson and Welham should be starting centres.

That's assuming Neilsen comes back. There's been a lot of rumours on that front too, although I admit I've not heard anything as reliable as the Mullaney ones.

If he does come back, perhaps the plan is for Clare to be fullback, Nielsen & Wiliams on the wings, with Purtell & Welham in the centres? I'm sure I read that Nielsen has played quite a bit of wing in his time. Then Caro, Blythe & Campbell are your cover players, with the likes of Baile available at a push (although I expect he may be interchange hooker this year).

I think Neilson’s more of an out and out centre – he’s a quality defender but not the quickest in attack. It’ll be interesting to see if he returns.

There are a few players that I’m surprised are still with us since they seemed to be out of favour such as Baille, Uaisele, Walshaw etc.

How the wingers perform is going to depend on to a fair extent on who their centres are. With some ball and running chances both Williams and Caro can score a bucketfull of tries, but you're isolated on the wing if you don't get the service.

The downside of giving out 2 year deals I suppose. Had they been one 1 year contracts, I don't think Uaisele or Walshaw would still be at the club.

Baile I'd be less likely to get shut of quite so quickly, as I think he's our second best option at hooker. Sure it's still not a good option, but it's a better one than what I've seen of Halafihi, and unless we had another hooker coming into the club, I wouldn't want Baile to leave just yet.
As a centre or back rower though, he's not much use.

then we still have them on our books. Must admit to a sneaking liking to Walshaw, but I can't imagine their game time is going to rise. Nice work if you can get it?

What's happened to Mendieka.