I'm sure there was some report at the back end of the season that said they knew what Mullaney's issue was and that he would be getting it fixed in the off-season.

And while I agree that we do NEED an actual half back, that need isn't a pressing one until nearer the end of July when the important games come into view on the horizon and the wins begin to matter

Well, first off it's not [ireally[/i a plan. It's a work round due to circumstances, like there being no suitable signing available - if the right guy is available right now, then obviously you get him on board asap and definitely before anyone else does. What I'm saying is, we don't need to just bring in A.N. Other in just 'cos he has no.7 on his back, it's hardly a necessity for the early stuff - we should be able to get top four with Luaki at seven...

It actually makes much more sense when you add in the financial implications. Bring a guy in for the last 14 or so games [or whenever he comes available]and you aren't paying the full season - and if he can't get up to speed in half a dozen games at that level then I'd question whether he's the right bloke, to be honest.

I believe Kris Welham will be the next new signing

Good player is Welham. I guess many would probably be 'underwhelmed' [if it's true] but he's been a good solid player all his career. He's certainly always played well against the bulls!

I wouldn't be underwhelmed with Wellham. Ok, he may not be international class but he is a solid and reliable centre / winger. Down the years we have had players who weren't big names but were first on the sheet such as Penguin, Naylor and I am sure others will remember many more.

Nobody has mentioned Flemming regarding our forwards. I assume he is still with us? I can't remember seeing he has left.
I think he has very good potential as he matures.

For me, I feel we are nearly there with players. If Wellham does come then hopefully a SH but the lad with the broken leg is a full back / winger along with Thomas so could Mullaney play at 7 when they have fixed his hamstring.

I'd be happy with Mullaney at 7 and I'd have Clare at FB. One of our best performances this year was against Salford. Mullaney tore them to pieces at 7 and Clare was outstanding that day at FB.

However Jimmy will go with Addy at HB who doesn't quite have the natural skill for a natural HB.

If we don't bring anyone in, I'd like us to give Thomas a run at 7 see what he can do.

I make that 29 players in the squad. That’s allowing for Ulugia and Uaisele to be let go as well.

That’s a fair few more than I was envisaging given recent quotes from Steve Ferres. I expect some more to leave if we’re to have the smaller squad that was touted in the media.

We seem to be a little overstocked with wingers and centres.

1. Jake Mullaney FB, SH
2. Johnny Campbell FB, W
3. Danny Williams W
4. Omari Caro W
5. James Clare W, FB
6. Ethan Ryan C
7. Dane Neilson C
8. Adrian Purtell C, W,SO
9. James Mendieka C, FB, SO
10. Jean Philippe Baille C, 2R
11. Matty Blythe C, 2R
12. Oscar Thomas SO,FB
13. Lee Gaskell SO, SH, FB, C
14. Adam O’Brien H
15. Vila Halafihi H
16. Joe Lumb H
17. Adam Sidlow PF
18. Dan Fleming PF
19. Paul Clough PF, 2R
20. Epalahame Lauaki PF,2R
21. Johnny Walker PF
22. Steve Crossley PF
23. Alex Mellor 2R, PF
24. Jay Pitts 2R, LF, PF
25. Lucas Walshaw 2R, C
26. Tom Olbison 2R, LF
27. Dale Ferguson 2R, LF
28. Mitch Clark 2R, LF, PF
29. Danny Addy 2R, LF, SO, SH, H

Well to be honest few of us know who is and might be available but I'd hope we'd been at least looking at options anyway. It was obvious to the majority that Siejka wasn't up to the task despite his best efforts. I certainly wouldn't just 'go out and buy any 7' but I'm uneasy about waiting until mid way through the season in the hope that we can sign somebody then. The lower SL clubs aren't likely to be releasing anyone decent and if a few higher end SL clubs get injuries then they won't either. We need to get it right but we also need to get it sorted sooner rather than later.

Welham would be a decent addition to our backline in my opinion, two strong centres in Nielsen and Welham.

Back up to a 30 man squad with Welham added. Who's for the chop? Personally if I had to trim the squad I'd be looking in two places. First - if we do sign Welham then some of the backs look likely to be let go. Second I'd be getting rid of Lauaki.

How many home grown do we have to have in our squad? I count seven players out of the above, assuming that Walker doesn't count.

Far too many three quarters in that list

7 home grown. Agree it's over stacked with threequarters.

Only one proven halfback amongst various makeshift options. If Gaskell were to get injured at the business end again that'd be us stuffed.

This really is make or break this season. Without another proper halfback in the squad I fear we're doomed before we begin. It maybe enough to get into the top 4 in the championship but that's it.

I'd say Walshaw, Baille and Mendieka are surplus from that list. Walshaw doesn't seem to be able to get a look in, Baille was disappointing and I don't really understand why we signed Mendieka.

What happened to Matt Ryan

He was only signed for the rest of the season. I thought he did alright to be honest but perhaps cap space has scuppered any deal for him.