Do think we're possibly a prop light BUT props always become available throughout the year so if we do have an injury crisis half way through the year, getting a prop on a months loan is pretty easy.

I agree that the pack still looks light, especially when the inevitable injuries hit. Where would we like to see our final signing line up? I'm thinking an experienced Prop would be my priority if we only have space for one more.

Assume we intend to leave some space for mid season recruits as well, as the side assembled so far is a bit off any sensible challenge for SL. Though we do appear to have all they key positions covered with quality at 1,6,7 & 9.

We don't have 9 covered. At all. If O' Brien gets a serious injury we are in big trouble.

Joe Keyes has been playing a bit of 9 in the internationals I believe.

bit harsh on Joe Lumb. Didnt think he looked too out of place in gametime he got. biggest problem was his lack of size but a year on would have expected him to have developed a bit. Think in an ideal world Smith would prefer to sign another more physical no 9 to complement O'B and Lumb as if anything there a bit too similar in style and both on small side but unless we can move on some of remaining deadwood were probaby very limited budget wise.

Right now I'd still put Lumb in my 17 (see previous page) so it wasn't meant as a dig at him. But having only two hookers in any squad is always risky.
I think if we had landed that aussie hooker, Lumb might have been one of the players to go out on loan. Like you say, he needs a bit more time to develop but there is certainly some promise there.

John Kear on Phil Joseph:

"I think he could also play as an edge player but he's certainly very good as a rotation hooker.

"We've used Phil there as well with Wales and it means you don't necessarily have to have a hooker on the bench.

"Having Phil in there gives you flexibility in your selection and that's great as a head coach."

Clearly the Aussie hooker was preferable, but if we want a hooker with a more physical presence during a game, we have the man. Anybody trying the sort of treatment AOB has suffered without any intervention from the refs will know what a retaliatory accidental slip up the arm high tackle from him will feel like. Once they have put their head back on their neck.

News from Fev

Roche has agreed personal terms, he will join Bulls pending a meeting this week, will start training at the end of November, if all works out fine which it should!

Just some registration issues to sort out, Fev are on thin line with the RFL player welfare after this situation (not paying some players)

He will most likely be announced in late November.

Isn't Halafihi still with us?

Yes but when was the last time he made it anywhere near the starting 17? I'd expect him to be one of the players Rohan is trying to send out on loan.

Oo, oo.

Maybe our pack deficiencies could be solved by Stuart Howarth!



Said no-one.

Ever.

It's not what he's been told.

Nowt much on telly so I'm watching some player highlights videos on Bulls TV and one thing stands out.

Christ we're gonna have some pace with Moss, Caro, Clare, Ryan and Macani! And Welham is no slouch either.

Quote from Smith regarding Olbison from website:

“That position (middle of the field) is Tom’s primary role now and he’s really got his head around how to play that role in attack and defence and he’s worked out how to contribute best there.

“There will still be an opportunity, here or there, where he might play on the edge but he’ll primarily play in the middle of the field.”

Seems to me he's definitely the new Langley.

Looks potentially pretty exciting doesn't it. We played some excellent stuff in the Championship Shield when Chisholm, Moss and O'Brien really got going. Add Leon into the mix and a much bigger more powerful looking pack and we could be quite a destructive side.

If Roche is our final addition we are looking pretty strong in the pack.

I'd like Ryan Bailey too for a bit of experience and aggression but maybe that's being too greedy.