If it's true that we approached Saints about getting Burns on loan then it at least means that the club are aware of the issue. Unfortunately what it probably also means is that, at this minute, it's pretty slim pickings for available halfbacks.

Travis Burns as a permanent signing or season long loan would be fantastic but a short term deal would be a pointless exercise. Can't see it happening though.

Cunningham has already stated that he is not letting Burns out on loan which was reported... also quoting that super league clubs had enquired

Quality halfbacks are in very short supply.

Of course Lowes is going to say he’s got faith in Addy at the moment because he’s the only option we have. It’s not a good signal to Addy or good business to say “we know we need a halfback and are looking high and low” since Addy will feel unappreciated and clubs with players we want will think we’re desperate and ask for huge money.

Anyone with half a brain knows we need a halfback in time for the 8s. We have no chance at all of promotion without one. I just hope we get someone. I’d even back the club if they signed a known flake or loose cannon like Tim Smith if it got us promoted.

I’ve no idea what Cunningham is up to at Saints as they seem to be playing Turner at stand off and ignoring Burns and Fages.

Someone like Declan Patton at Warrington could be good for us.

Either of the Batley halfbacks would improve us I think. Ironic since both are ex-Bradford players at some level.

:316spsra

It's impossible to know just what Jimmy actually believes as he's clearly constrained in what he can say. Constrained by both RFL rules, and the obvious point that somethings just [i:316spsracan't[/i since he'd be fired and probably banned by the RFL for not taking the company line.

At the very least, Patton is 4th in the pecking order, behind Sandow, Gidley & Ratchford. Potentially 5th if Gary Wheeler wasn't made of biscuit.

I would think it would benefit us and Wire, as their player is getting some regular quality first team rugby, and they're unlikely to need him without a couple of injuries/suspensions.

Perhaps Richie Mathers could have a word. He works at Warrington!

Only reason I could see us not enquiring is if we maybe already had a 7 in the works with the initials of RB...

Last year I thought what was wrong with having Harrison and Lowes as a coaching team was that both of them are absolutely perfect as assistant coaches but found lacking when promoted.

I think Jimmy would be the perfect foil to a more thoughtful Brian Noble, Brian Smith type of coach. It's too late to ask Jimmy to do that role now because his pride wouldn't allow the demotion, so unfortunately he'd have to leave the club completely.

I also don't buy in to this "we only need top 4" bullcrap. In my opinion, having sucked it up in 2015, realistically promotion via the MPG is pie-in-the-sky, no Championship team has any hope in that game, and so if the target is promotion, then finishing in the automatic promotion spot is the ONLY way to even think about doing it.

Finishing down the table and thus having to play all your fixtures away at Wigan isn't the best way to dream of that route.

Does anyone seriously believe that even if we (or Leigh, or indeed Batley) make the MPG, they will be in for anything other than a flogging? Give your head a shake if you do.

I know you're right FA but I keep thinking we could do what Sheffield did in the cup final in 98 or Fev in 83 or something along those lines.

It'd take an upset of those proportions.

Bit harsh FA, we didn't get flogged last year. A bit more rub of the green that game could have quite easily gone the other way. Whilst I don't agree with the system, it is a one of game that anything could happen... that I have accepted.

I do however agree with you that an automatic promotion spot is obviously the best route... But to get to that we need to start showing consistency with performances. Whitehaven game aside I don't believe any of the other games have been convincing in the slightest albeit we are still undefeated. So as for Jimmy saying ''lets be right, we only need to peak at the back end'' is total BS! A flat/below par performance resulting in a loss, draw or scrappy win would be easier take if we had a good run of performances prior.

Right now I haven't a clue who will end up in the bottom 4 in SL. Wakefield and KR seem like certain candidates, but the other two spots? No idea at this stage.