I agree with the previous posters - as I read the T&A website this morning, everything seemed to be heading towards getting us used to the idea of Neilson not being here next season

The one thing that Neilson would need above anything else, judging by his performances last season, would be a FULL pre-season, because he was clearly not fit. He's obviously not going to get that, so I won't be shedding too many tears if he doesn't come back now. The last thing we need is a half-fit bloke taking up a slot and shedload of cap space.

It was the first thing I thought as I read the article.

Pretty much on the side of, if he misses all pre- season, then probably best he doesn't come back. I say that not knowing what the 'personal reasons' are of course, and if they're are serious and genuine then it will be different, but, 'personal reasons', has been code for 'looking for a better offer' too many times with antipodean recruits going home.

Didn't Nielsen say his mum was ill last year when Cas were interested in signing him, and that's the reason he didn't sign for them. I hope we can keep Nielsen, get him fit an he's a good player.

So both Nielson and Orford should be back from their compassionate leave soon I would have thought. People ALWAYS come back from Australasia after compassionate leave.

It's certainly become almost a euphemism for goodbye, though if he returns then great, if not, we're covered, I guess.

Yes when I told the missus I was going to Australia for compassionate leave she knew full well I was running off with her sister. It's just something you say.

No, I can't forget this evening
Or your face as you were leaving
But I guess that's just the way the story goes
You always smile but in your eyes your sorrow shows
Yes, it shows

No, I can't forget tomorrow
When I think of all my sorrow
When I had you there, but then I let you go
And now it's only fair that I should let you know
What you should know

I can't live if living is without you
I can't live, I can't give anymore
Oh I don't know though, we signed Kris Welham

It was more 'lying eyes' going through my mind, tbh!

The jigsaw is complete. Our two new ferocious props, here seen modelling the 3rd change strip

Ah, yes the Blackpool strip - I was wondering when that was to be unveiled.

Surely a little OTT to keep Leigh forwards at bay?

m.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/spo ... _to_shine/ "The Bulls remain on the look-out for further signings but half-back or hooker Pita Godinet – recently released by Wakefield – is not thought to be on Jimmy Lowes’ radar" That one is squashed then!

m.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/spo ... _to_shine/ "The Bulls remain on the look-out for further signings but half-back or hooker Pita Godinet – recently released by Wakefield – is not thought to be on Jimmy Lowes’ radar" That one is squashed then!

Hmmm, an available sl quality player who can play 7 (we need) and back up 9 (we need). Released and lives relatively local and we're not interested??? Maybe Jimmy needs a new radar, his seems to be faulty. I await the signing that fits our current needs better, prove me wrong Jimmy.

Also reports on the Batley Bulldogs site that they have signed Chris Ulugia from Bradford.

rlhttps://batleybulldogs.co.uk/index.php/2-uncategorised/1173-fans-evening-updaterl

Have to say I'm pleased with our recruitment/retention thus far. We seem to be releasing the players I was unsure about last year and signing better quality replacements.

Welham is better than all the backs we've released thus far (Shaw, Henry, Ulugia) and Campbell looked easily as good in the matches I saw him play (plus British so no quota spot).

Prop wise last season we had Karl Davies who didn't even play a match and Samir Tahraoui who looked promising but was unproven at the highest level and clearly had some aspects of his game Jimmy didn't like. Walker has played at the highest level, is a Bradford lad and has looked a handful everytime I've seen him. Clark also looked very good on the occasions I saw him play, has links to the club and again both are British so no quota spot.

The key, as alluded to by others on here is what we do to replace Harry Siejka. I didn't rate him at all last year and didn't see enough to think that with an injury free run he would develop into the player we all wanted him to be. I'm hoping his position is filled with a similar calibre of signing as Welham (vast super league experience, still in their prime, wanted by super league teams). A Godinet, Wood or dare I say it Chase would see me very optimistic for the comimg season.

I just hope we have better luck injury wise next year. Gaskell and Mullaney fit and in form make us a very dangerous side and it'd be disappointing (and very unlucky) if they had similar spells on the sidelines this season.