Really bad blow. However at least the surgeries are taking place atvthevstart if the season. Hopefully Gake will only miss a few games.

FFS here we go again why has it taken so long for them to identify the problems now!!

Whoa there. Should have quoted the Bateman bit as I was referring only to that . I am sure there was a similar happening around this time last year. So perhaps the medics got it wrong again. OK. Cannot force players to have an Op. OK. Pattern building up here. OK - er I hope not.But I think I am allowed to comment.

As I said , I am sure something similar happened around this time last year, ie "thought it would mend but didnt". Tried to get info from last years posts but gave up. One thing certain FA, we are batting for the same team. Frustrating to get these problems. Here's a thought: I have supported Northern & Bulls since 1978 - back in the day, we didnt get too much info on what was happening. Now we all feel able to get involved.But in a good way of course. Pl keep up the good work.

Sorry folks, my fault about Gale. In a previous posting I said he was croaked and would not start the session. Not guilty about Bateman though. I shall in future refrain from commenting on Bulls player's fitness/injury but I shall start commenting on other SL teams injury problems, you never know......

Ebeneezer Goode?

Oh great, at least we have the strength of squad to cope.....

...oh hang on.

Gale tweeted he hopes to be back for round 1 and Bateman is a young lad, he should heal fast.


Straws



Clutching

This may force FC's hand and he may realise he needs a prop and another hb/sh to cover

FC has already been quoted saying that he won't commit to signing a player that won't improve the squad. You can read that as saying there's naff all out there.
I would certainly struggle to name an ooc/potential loanee half back who would actually be worth paying. An obvious prop choice would be Mason, but signing him might be tricky if he has some inflated wage demands.

we could do with another prop or 2 actually. I also think we definitely need cover in the halves because its would be a big risk when theres only kearney, sammut, gale and maybe addy that can play there because we need kearney at fullback. Its a shame we couldnt let a youngster have a go at halfback but we dont have any who play there, i know they may be inexperienced but if they dont learn now when will they

Don't get too hung up on us needing Kearney at fullback. It's widely regarded as Kears best position so we do have options. That said if the eight week prognosis for gale is correct the he should be ok for first game. Likewise batemans injury means a chance for Donaldson/ Olbison. Much rather we get the injuries now than in last week of preseason tbh.

Cover is cover and we have cover at half and backrow.