...except we're probably getting Elima as well.


But who said that? We haven't announced him as the Messiah or something. And we know better than you about Fielden, since he had (by a mile) is best years playing for us. Now he is back end and only this last season has he regained at least some of his "Awesome Foursome" form but he is still far from what he once was. For the reasons I won't repeat as there is a limit, he is certainly a better signing than Fielden would be.


.... is the point!!

He said it was up to the Coach as to how much of the SC would be spent! Usually to the Max, this season was different due to the Tong Training Centre build being finished

The financial details are done by the Club's Management (Ron & Ron) i.e Hood and or Duckett, and Duffers makes sure all the paperwork is correct!

If the Coach wants a player the Club look and see if its financially possible and if it is full negotiations take place, we all know this can be long and protracted for a myriad reasons!

But I thought they were all done in 20 minutes on the morning of 1st September? Aren't they?

Not how I interpreted what was said. May have to agree to disagree here, as I understood it to mean the coach decides how best to spend the cap, not just how much of it he spends.

I would imagine it's a joint effort. The head coach gives the board a list of targets, probably rated in terms of who he feels the team need most, and the board then do the negoiating with the player and his agent.

at least that's my understanding

Like many have said.

Not as good player as Fielden, but he has time to improve and it will help him working alongside Lynch and Scruton.

Is there any other team whos first 4 props next season will be British?

Huddersfield?

Or am I forgetting someone from them.....

Crabtree, Mason, Griffin, Raleigh?


And Wire actually.

Morley, Carvell, Wood & Harrison/Cooper

Well, simple answer is no then!!

But it's still a good thing to have.

Whilst these are of good reading I kinda think its unfair to compare props based on them sort of stats as it says Appearances ..... but we all know Lynchy plays a hell of a lot of game time and im not sure that Hargreaves will play anything close to the same amount! However saying that he only seems to be a slight improvement on Koppy from the stats!! Hopefully will now allow us to play Hall in his proper position & maybe he will come good in his second year!

Anyone heard anything on whether Sculthorpe is staying or not?

DILLIGAF, on page one of the thread, although I see he/she has now helpfully clarified with an edit following my post Anyway, I still think players like Hargreaves are ten a penny whilst Fielden for a couple of years would offer better service, especially in light of his more recent form.

If you are getting Elima as well then that really would be good (although your first choice props won't all be English then, unless Elima plays in the back-row).

On the English props issue, it is obviously a good thing but given England's relative strengths and weaknesses it would be better if you had an all-English backline (although it would probably not be better for the fortunes of the team in the short term given the dearth of English talent in this area!).

Hopefully McNamara won't see fit to repeat this line-up in his current role.

I think he'd be taken off in a straight jacket if he did.

Superb signing, he's developed so much at Saints over the last two years that he'll give our pack some real beef.

Personally, I think he's as good a signing as Fielden when you look at all aspects.