2024 Squad and Recruitment

Quote: bullinenemyland "I don't think its a huge rebuild needed but we have some areas needing to be strengthened

Same here, I wonder if getting Pickersgill back might be an option? He seemed like an odd signing for Fax when they have Woodburn Hall.

Quote: bullinenemyland "Wingers - I'd like to see us try and get Jorge Tuafoa for another year. Think with him and Blackmore as our wingers for the full season would be massive. If not, could we tempt someone like Jermaine McGilvery over for one last year (injuries permitting). Add in another back up option too '"
I think having some size on the wing has been a real plus this season so if we can keep Taufua and Blackmore then great. McGilvery would be useful but only if fit I agree.

Quote: bullinenemyland "I think we are good at Centre - Gill and Myers would be my first choice next year with Arundel as back up, maybe need one more as cover (maybe a wing/centre option). '"

Agreed. We need three at least.

Quote: bullinenemyland "Half back even if Patton leaves I think we are at our strongest here with Holmes, Gaskell, Lilley, Lawford and Jowett.'"

Is Lawford staying? I heard a while back that Wigan were interested in him. Is he out of contract? He’s not going to stay without some assurance that he’s going to get some gametime. Apparently he’s been playing well at Hunslet. He’s going to want regular rugby at championship level.

Quote: bullinenemyland "Props again we may need an extra one with Fenton unlikely to get another year on loan and Baldwinson to come back from injury. Lawrence is another year older but looks like he will go another year and alongside Scurr, Doro and Matongo this would be a good starting platform. Could someone like Scott Taylor or Liam Watts be an option?'"

Do Hudders rate Rogers? They seemed happy for us to have him back when they had a brief injury crisis. Is he under contract there for long? Perhaps we could get him permanently? If not we need another but I’m not sure I’d spend big on Taylor or Watts unless we wanted someone in place to be the heir apparent to Lawrence when he retires.

Quote: bullinenemyland "Lilley needs to be in the hooker role next year for me and back up to half back. I don't expect GFS to play that many games so this leaves us one short. I think James Segeyaro has been great when he has come in but seems like he is not staying next year which is a real shame. I think Adam O'Brien might be too similar to Lilley in that role so would he bring the impact needed (or visa versa?)... don't see too many other options though.'"

We definitely need another option here as backup for Lilley. It’s the most influential position on the field. AOB would be great I reckon or another experienced championship (or even L1 hooker).

Quote: bullinenemyland "Back row is where I'd like to see us really strengthen. Brad England and Chester Butler seem to be signed on for next year and hopefully Appo will follow too but if we are to push for a title tilt we need to be aiming higher than this. Ben Helliwell, Luis Johnson and Alex Sutcliffe are all off contract and would be good options to consider for me. Baitieri for another year would be a good shout. I think we are 2-3 light in this area.'"

We need to keep Appo if possible who I think will be even better next year having acclimatised and had a full pre season with us. Baitieri will hopefully stay. One of those three off contract you mention would be good or failing that a decent season long loan of someone.

A lot of course depends on budget. For the first time in ages we’re seemingly not making it up as we go along with one year contracts. That suggests there’s a bit more money around. It’s be nice to see us build to be definite top 3 outfit. We’re not there yet (too inconsistent) but with the right tweaks it’s doable for next year.